The federal government is giving local officials nationwide an ultimatum: Either use eminent domain to force people out of flood-prone homes, or forfeit the chance for federal money to combat climate change, according to the New York Times.
This move is an effort by the Army Corps of Engineers to protect people from disasters. Officials from the Florida Keys to the New Jersey coast, including Miami, Charleston, S.C., and Selma, Ala., are facing this choice.
Local governments seeking federal money to help people leave flood zones must first agree to oust people who refuse to move. Some local governments have told the Corps they will do so if necessary, while others have yet to decide.
The Corps protects Americans from flooding and coastal storms by building sea walls, levees and other protective structures, and by elevating homes. The Corps typically pays two-thirds of the cost, with local government paying the rest.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 5, 2017
Updated AIA Disaster Assistance Handbook released with significant enhancements
Updates provide guidance on how design and construction pros and emergency managers can work together to prepare for and respond to disasters.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2017
Planning for world’s first floating city underway
New approach to resiliency examined in French Polynesia.
Sustainability | Jan 24, 2017
From an industrial park to an eco-neighborhood in Brussels, Belgium
At the heart of Vincent Callebaut Architectures’ eco-neighborhood will be three 100-meter-tall Vertical Forests.
Resiliency | Nov 3, 2016
Future-proofing urban waterfronts
CallisonRTKL’s Nathan Cherry discusses hurricanes, the San Francisco waterfront, and how we can future-proof our urban waterfronts.
Resiliency | Oct 5, 2016
San Francisco’s 181 Fremont will become the most earthquake-resilient building on the West Coast
The building has achieved REDi Gold Rating, resilience-based design guidelines developed by Arup that establish a new benchmark for seismic construction.
Sustainability | Sep 22, 2016
Is ‘Growroom’ a glimpse into the future of urban agriculture?
Growroom’s spherical shape means it can also double as a covered outdoor public space.
Regulations | Aug 31, 2016
FEMA wants to toughen flood regulation on projects using federal funds
The proposal ‘would essentially rewrite the current 100-year flood standard.’
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Aug 22, 2016
The Hills of Governors Island reach completion one year ahead of schedule
The man made hills are the latest attraction to open on the island that has been under development since 2006.
Resiliency | Aug 10, 2016
White House pushes for better finance strategies for disaster mitigation and resilience
The move highlights innovative insurance, mortgage, tax, and finance-based strategies.
Seismic Design | Jul 28, 2016
Risk of man-made earthquakes now factor in seismic hazard analysis
Significant risk increases seen in some areas of the U.S.
