
The Biden administration is set to implement a policy requiring FEMA-funded reconstruction projects to be elevated at least 2 feet above local flood levels, starting September 9. This decision aims to protect public infrastructure like schools, police stations, and roads from increasing flood risks exacerbated by climate change. The new rule is part of a broader strategy to make communities more resilient and reduce long-term repair costs, despite higher initial expenses.
The policy, which has taken nearly a decade to finalize, mandates that state and local governments account for future flood risks when rebuilding with federal funds. This measure addresses criticisms that previous federal disaster policies encouraged rebuilding to outdated standards. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized the significance of this policy in making communities more resilient to floods, the most destructive natural disaster in the U.S.
While the elevation requirement applies to public infrastructure, it does not extend to homes repaired with FEMA funds or affect FEMA flood maps. The policy has garnered wide support during its public comment period, though it faced opposition from the National Association of Home Builders, who argue it could complicate housing affordability. The policy’s finalization marks a significant step in federal climate resilience efforts and aligns with President Biden’s broader climate agenda.