One-Fourth Of Critical U.S. Infrastructure Now At Risk Of Flooding
As ongoing climate change increases the likelihood of significant storms, a new report has found that a large portion of U.S. infrastructure is susceptible to serious damage.
“One-fourth of the United States’ ‘critical’ infrastructure is at risk of flooding,” USA Today reported, citing a new report from the non-profit First Street Foundation. “The report pinpoints the nation’s flood risk to critical infrastructure, such as utilities, airports, ports and emergency services such as police, fire and hospitals.”
The report also highlighted a handful of states that are most susceptible: Louisiana, Florida, Kentucky, and West Virginia. And while coastal cities are relatively progressive in their work to establish stormwater management procedures, inland communities that the report deemed at risk are likely unprepared for increased flooding.
“These inland areas could be particularly vulnerable because historically — prior to the advent of widespread climate change — they haven’t experienced this degree of flooding,” according to CBS News. “Not only is their infrastructure not prepared to handle this heavier level of flooding, but local officials and residents may not even know to expect it.”
Ultimately, flooding risks seem poised only to grow as increasing atmospheric temperatures propel major storm events. And so an increase in infrastructure resiliency efforts appears to be the only recourse. But, as this requires significant capital investment around the country, these efforts are likely easier said than done in much of the country.
“In North Carolina, for example, the Federal Emergency Management Agency offered to buy out entire small towns ravaged by flooding. Some refused and now face bankruptcy as their population dwindles and remaining residents say they can’t take on another climate disaster,” per CBS News. “Fewer residents mean lower taxes, a smaller budget and not enough money to assess and rebuild downtown areas in the same resilient way wealthier areas may.”
As some communities struggle to increase their stormwater management resiliency, those that do are more likely to grow and attract new residents. While those that don’t may just be left behind.
“If an area gains a reputation for being susceptible to extreme climate events, people won’t buy homes and businesses won’t house their headquarters there,” according to USA Today. “Understanding which areas of the United States are prone to flooding will affect home buying trends and steps homeowners make to protect their property.”
To read more about how communities address increasing flooding issues, visit Water Online’s Stormwater Management Solutions Center.