Strengthening Our Future: Enhancing Flood Resilience Nationwide

Written by Anne Bink, IEM Director of Mitigation and Resilience

As the remnants of Hurricane Beryl continue to impact a large portion of the country, it serves as the latest all too often reminder of the growing threat of extreme weather and flooding we face as a nation.  As the first ever Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean in June, its lesson for us is clear: we must act in haste to mitigate against growing threats in equally strong measures.

In a significant stride towards building a more resilient nation, the Biden-Harris Administration has finalized a groundbreaking rule to enhance flood resilience across the United States. FEMA’s new rule, implementing the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS), marks a transformative approach to safeguarding communities, infrastructure, and taxpayer investments against the growing threat of flooding.

The Imperative of Flood Resilience

Flooding poses a severe and escalating risk to communities nationwide. Traditional approaches, which relied on historical data, have proven inadequate in the face of increasingly unpredictable and severe weather patterns driven by climate change. The FFRMS addresses this gap by incorporating the best available science to assess both current and future flood risks. This forward-thinking framework ensures that FEMA-funded projects are not only resilient to today’s flood risks but are also prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Understanding the Devastation of Flooding

Flooding stands as the largest and most frequent natural disaster in the United States, causing widespread destruction and displacing countless families each year. The economic impact is staggering, with billions of dollars in damages to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Beyond the immediate physical devastation, flooding also inflicts long-term economic hardship on affected communities, often resulting in repeated cycles of loss and rebuilding.

Key Highlights of the Final Rule

1. Comprehensive Risk Assessment: The FFRMS leverages the latest climate science to evaluate flood risks, ensuring that FEMA-funded projects are designed to withstand future flood conditions. This includes elevating structures, floodproofing, and employing nature-based solutions to mitigate flood risks effectively.
2. Broad Applicability: The standard applies to a wide range of FEMA-funded actions, including new construction, substantial improvements, and repairs to substantially damaged structures. It also extends to Hazard Mitigation Assistance projects, which involve structure elevation, dry floodproofing, and mitigation reconstruction.
3. Economic Efficiency: Incorporating flood resilience measures into project designs is estimated to increase costs by less than 2%, a minimal investment compared to the long-term savings from avoided flood damage. FEMA will cover the federal cost share, often 75% or more, making these critical enhancements more accessible to communities.

Impact of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard

The FFRMS represents a crucial step in reducing the human and economic toll of flooding. By considering both current and future flood risks, communities can avoid the costly cycle of damage and reconstruction. This proactive approach enhances the safety of families and protects critical infrastructure such as fire and police stations, hospitals, and facilities that store hazardous materials.

Additionally, by expanding the floodplain to reflect both current and future risks and embracing innovative, nature-based solutions, communities can preserve the benefits of floodplains, such as their ability to store and move floodwaters and create rich soils. This holistic approach not only mitigates flood risks but also supports ecological health and sustainability.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the implementation of the FFRMS on September 9, 2024 will mark a pivotal moment in our nation’s journey towards climate resilience. During my time at FEMA, I had the privilege to work on this rule as well as other key initiatives advancing resilient recovery. To me, FFRMS is an essential proactive step towards a safer future, one where our communities are better prepared to face the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. The ripple effects of FFRMS will be profound, complementing a suite of initiatives by FEMA designed to bolster community resilience  before and after disasters strike. We must continue to build upon this work to stop the cycle of repetitive response and recovery missions to better protect lives and communities.