Local Governments Prepare for Climate Change
June 13, 2014 11:53 AM
creative soul - Fotolia
In the expensive aftermath of recent natural disasters, some local governments are working to mitigate the impacts of weather-related events that could occur in the future. Image: Fotolia
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is allocating $335 million in funds for the first phase of a project to protect Manhattan's edge from flooding. This bridging berm will protect the East River Park. Image: The BIG Team/Rebuild by Design
Kevin Case
"Countless New Yorkers found themselves without power, heat, or running water after Sandy hit," said NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio. "With a changing climate, we know it's not a question of if, but when the next big storm will hit - and that's why we have a comprehensive plan to adapt our city's infrastructure and neighborhoods."
Another phase of the project to protect Manhattan's edge would construct a "Battery Berm" through Battery Park to protect the Financial District. Image: The BIG Team/Rebuild by Design
The Meadowlands region in New Jersey is receiving $150 million of federal funds for a project to restore water-absorbing wetland and reduce flooding in Sandy-impacted communities. Image: MIT CAU+ZUS+URBANISTEN/Rebuild by Design
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority workers had to pump seawater out of the L train's tunnel after it was flooded during the 13-food storm surge of Hurricane Sandy. To prepare for future storm-surge risk, the agency issued $200 million of catastrophe bonds last October.
Galveston, Texas, was hit hard by Hurricane Ike in 2008, which led to a downgrade of its credit rating. In the years that followed, rebuilding efforts have included new storm-resilient buildings and a water treatment plant and sewer system that can withstand a Category 5 hurricane.
California, which has been dealing with the financial impacts of a three-year drought, is joining up with federal and local governments to finance levee improvements to achieve 200-year flood protection. Image: California Department of Water Resources
"There's an inevitable increase in sea level, and that increase will have impacts on water quality and on agricultural practices in exposed areas, so we've got to get to work on it," said California Governor Jerry Brown. "In that respect, we have taken action to reduce climate change, and action to adapt - to change the infrastructure, change the use of water, and crops."
