Following President Obama’s executive order signed in 2015, FEMA has proposed new regulations that would require companies and homeowners that use federal funds on construction projects in flood-prone areas to build on higher ground—as much as two feet higher than previous standards. So reports The Wall Street Journal.
The regulations come in response to unprecedented flooding that has caused loss of life and displaced thousands of people from their homes. On the other side of the issue, business owners are concerned about rising costs for builders. Politicians not in favor of Obama’s order claim it will make the recovery process more expensive for everyone involved.
However, FEMA’s proposal includes three options based on type of project (standard, critical need/hospital) and use of scientific models to establish build site flood protection.