A bi-partisan bill introduced in the U.S. Senate would inform better information sharing between federal agencies and local code-making powers to ensure more resilient infrastructure.
"U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) today introduced new bipartisan legislation to help local communities and private firms build stronger infrastructure that will withstand severe weather events," according to a press release from Senator Baldwin's office, dated February 27, 2020.
"The Built to Last Act helps ensure federal, state, local and private buildings, roads, and other infrastructure are more resilient to extreme weather events by equipping standards-developing organizations that issue building codes and other standards with the best available information on weather-related risks, including floods, hurricanes and wildfires," according to the press release.
The only agencies compelled to new action under the proposed law—the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)—would be required to share new information with local and state authorities. The bill has support from the American Planning Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, Enterprise Community Partners, and the National Ready Mix Concrete Association.
Read the full story: U.S. SENATORS TAMMY BALDWIN AND MARCO RUBIO INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO ENSURE AMERICAN INFRASTRUCTURE IS BUILT TO LAST
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Chicago voters approve permanent festival grounds, penalty for vacant property owners
Currently, major summer and fall festivals take over public parks for weeks at a time, drawing criticism from nearby residents
NYC votes to cut outdoor dining red tape, speed up permitting
New York City also voted to allow the Department of Transportation to begin work on urgent projects before notifying elected officials.
California appears to reject Prop. 45
The proposition would have expanded the projects that qualify for a streamlined environmental review, effectively paring down the California Environmental Quality Act.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority