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
Resiliency | Mar 7, 2019
Building for resilience - All about RELi
Sustainable design strategies create more resilient buildings. However, only truly focused purposeful resilient design strategies will create the adaptation needed.
Resiliency | Feb 27, 2019
ResilientSEE: A framework to achieve resilience across scales
Conceived in the Boston studio of Perkins+Will, the ResilientSEE team developed a resilient planning framework that can be applied to other neighborhoods, cities, and countries.
Sustainability | Oct 25, 2018
As project delivery models evolve, designers rethink their role
New York City’s newest university campus, Cornell Tech, pushes the limits of sustainable and resilient design.
Resiliency | Sep 4, 2018
It takes more than money to fund resilience
Resilient design, much like all projects in the built environment, requires funding.
Resiliency | May 17, 2018
Architects brief lawmakers and policy-makers on disaster recovery as hurricane season approaches
Urge senate passage of disaster recovery reform act; Relationship-building with local communities.
Resiliency | Feb 21, 2018
Resilience team selected to help protect a vulnerable Bridgeport, Conn., from floods
The design and construction project would perpetuate efforts that date back several years.
Resiliency | Jan 24, 2018
A luxury community in Florida mandates resilience in new-home construction
Alys Beach’s in-house GC builds to standards set by the FORTIFIED program.
Resiliency | Jan 24, 2018
Effort to develop first whole-community resilience benchmarks for buildings, water, and energy launched
Volunteers sought for committee openings.
Resiliency | Jan 17, 2018
Climate adaptation project addresses current and future climate changes in Randers, Denmark
The C.F. Møller-designed project is slated for completion in 2021.
Resiliency | Nov 15, 2017
Resilient design for waterfront buildings: a real estate win-win in vulnerable area
The developer sees resilient developments achieving top-of-market pricing, faster leasing, higher renewal, and higher occupancy rates.
