Floodplain Development
A study released this week by the Greater Houston Flood Mitigation Consortium ( the University of Houston, the Kinder Institute, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, and more) raises concerns that new floodplain regulations could harm renters.
The Houston Chronicle
Two hurricanes later, residents of North Carolina aren't so willing to deny the need to do something about the effects of climate change. A Democratic governor and a changing State Legislature have already produced action.
Inside Climate News
More Americans are moving to high-risk flood zones as environmental deregulation wins the day.
Governing
The city of Houston approved a new development that doesn't meet new elevations standards approved by the city of Houston earlier this month.
Houston Chronicle
It was the city's "first major regulatory response" to Hurricane Harvey.
Houston Chronicle
Harris County, home to Houston and the scene of widespread devastation during Hurricane Harvey and other weather events, will make large-scale changes to development regulations on floodplains for the first time in almost 20 years.
Houston Chronicle
Zoning might not have saved Houston from Harvey, but a strong floodplain ordinance would have, according to an opinion piece published in the Houston Chronicle.
Houston Chronicle
Drastic flooding inundated Queensland, Australia, and damaged many of the city's buildings. As recovery begins, some are rethinking the city's development patterns.
Architectural Record
The former site of the Mustang Ranch turns out to be an important piece of a floodplain restoration project in Nevada, and was inadvertently preserved because of the presence of the famous brothel.
The New York Times
Florence County Planning officials recently updated the county's land-use element of the comprehensive plan, which would require review of development taking place in floodplains.
SC Now
In an effort to protect endangered salmon in the Pacific Northwest, the National Marine Fisheries Service is calling for a building moratorium near rivers in the Puget Sound region.
Seattle Post Intelligencer
Floodplain development has proven time and time again to be big trouble when heavy rains come. But in Britain, that's not stopping it.
Guardian
New modeling software could soon be available that would allow monitoring across the internet of flood levels in specific areas- like your backyard.
Popular Mechanics
<p>This article from <em>The Christian Science Monitor</em> looks at how development, farm practices, and population growth have increased the risk of flooding.</p>
The Christian Science Monitor
<p>An Army Corps of Engineers flood control project in south-central Mississippi is in danger of being vetoed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But supporters have not given up hope.</p>
The New York Times
<p>Despite official calls following the 1993 floods along the Mississippi to remove development from flood plains, more housing and retail developments continue to be built along vulnerable areas.</p>
AlterNet
<p>The editor of <em>Grist</em>'s recent series on the Army Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi River offers some thoughts about the future challenges and issues facing the region.</p>
Grist
<p>Flooding in the Mississippi River floodplain in Missouri caused federal officials to call for the removal of buildings and homes in the threatened area in 1993. But now, development is being allowed in the same flood-prone areas.</p>
Grist
