The National League of Cities and Pew Charitable Trusts came together this spring to advocate for three “flood-ready” infrastructure principles. More than 250 bipartisan elected leaders representing more than 45 million Americans signed the statement of principles that declares: “Our country’s infrastructure faces increasing vulnerability due to the impacts of severe weather, rising population, and changing land use patterns. Moreover, the aging built environment suffers from years of underfunding and neglect. Major reform is needed to ensure that new investments increase the durability of the man-made surroundings and consider nature-based approaches to minimize future flood damage, reduce the impact and costly cycle of rebuilding, and save taxpayer dollars.”
Signees of the Flood-Ready Infrastructure Statement of Principles support prioritizing infrastructure decisions to reduce risk and meet economic, environmental, and social needs.
The flood-ready infrastructure principles are:
- Improve resiliency requirements for buildings and infrastructure systems built before and after flood-related catastrophes;
- Enhance the use of natural defenses in planning and preparedness; and,
- Reduce unsustainable development in high-risk areas.
The statement, including the list of signatories, can be downloaded at www.pewtrusts.org/~/media/assets/2018/03/statement-of-principles.pdf.