FEMA Proposes New Rules for Construction in Flood Areas

Regulations would essentially rewrite the current 100-year flood standard that's been used for the last five decades

The Wall Street Journal

Companies and homeowners using federal funds for construction projects in flood-prone areas may soon be facing new requirements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The proposed regulations would require building on higher ground — two feet higher in many cases.

These regulations would essentially rewrite the current 100-year flood standard that's been used for the last five decades. The new regulations would raise the levels for buildings, roads and other projects receiving federal funds.

The new FEMA regulations would provide three options for federally funded construction projects in flood-prone areas:

  1. Build two feet above the 100-year floodplain level for standard projects or three feet above the 100-year floodplain level for "critical action" projects (hospitals, nursing homes, etc.)
  2. Build to the 500-year floodplain 
  3. Use the best available scientific models which combine flood records with other factors

While FEMA sees it as a positive, significant flood-protection action, other businesses and groups aren't happy.

“It will absolutely increase costs for builders,” said Rep. Ralph Abraham. “The very last thing these people need is the federal government imposing a new rule by executive action that will make their recovery more expensive.” 

The comment period on the proposed FEMA regulation is open through October 21.

(more on FEMA's proposed regulations for construction in flood-prone areas...)

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