FEMA Introduces New Flood Resilience Standards for Infrastructure

In response to escalating flood risks, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced stringent new building requirements for federally funded infrastructure projects. The regulations mandate that structures like schools, hospitals, and bridges must be elevated above potential flood levels or relocated to safer areas if elevation is not feasible. This initiative aims to integrate future flood risks into current planning, reflecting the increasing threat posed by climate change.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized the agency’s dedication to breaking the costly cycle of flood damage and repairs, aiming to enhance resilience in vulnerable communities. Predictions by Chad Berginnis, Executive Director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers, highlight the urgency of these measures, with annual flood damage costs potentially reaching $40 billion this decade.
Originally proposed during the Obama administration and later withdrawn under Trump, the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard has been revived under the Biden administration, signaling a renewed federal focus on climate resilience. Despite potential legal challenges, Criswell remains confident in FEMA’s authority to enforce these standards.
This move is part of a broader federal effort to address environmental risks, with similar guidelines being finalized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Advocates like Rob Moore from the Natural Resources Defense Council stress the importance of building for future climate realities to protect federal investments from environmental challenges.