New legal workshop announcement: The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Legal Program will offer the continuing education course “Recent Developments in Takings Law: A Workshop for Planners” from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 19, at Courtyard by Marriott Gulfport Beachfront, 1600 East Beach Blvd., Gulfport, Miss. The workshop is free, and space is limited. Registration is open […]
Author Archive | Wesley Shaw
FEMA Study Finds National Floodplains Projected to Grow by 40-45%
Posted on July 27, 2011
As reported in the New York Times, at last week’s Coastal Zone conference in Chicago, FEMA shared some results from a pending study looking at the projected effects of climate change on the National Flood Insurance Program. The short version? It’s not looking pretty, and the challenges won’t be confined to coastal areas either. Floodplains […]
Even With Money and Permits, Beach Nourishment Isn’t Always Possible
Posted on July 12, 2011
Interesting report from the Pilot Online about how the City of Virginia Beach has money it’s trying to give to the Army Corps of Engineers for a beach nourishment project—enough to pay for the whole nourishment—but the Corps (for legal reasons) can’t accept it. If your community is considering a nourishment project, this short article […]
NOAA Climate Program Office Funding Climate Adaptation Projects (LOI Due 26 July)
Posted on July 8, 2011
New NOAA funding opportunity (via Christa Rabenold): Climate and Societal Interactions Program The Climate and Societal Interactions (CSI) Program provides leadership, both nationally and internationally, in developing interdisciplinary science and services, including assessments, for application in climate-sensitive sectors and regions. U.S. and internationally focused activities are housed within the same framework to facilitate cross-program community […]
Proposed Extension to NFIP Would Add Wind Data, Not Wind Coverage
Posted on June 24, 2011
The US Senate is considering an extension to the NFIP that would add a provision wherein the government would assign a ratio of damage caused by water (covered by the NFIP) vs wind (generally covered by homeowner’s insurance). The Coastal Act would use data already gathered by NOAA and FEMA to determine the breakdown. You […]
Rolling Easements: Finally, a Long-Term Approach for Rising Seas and Coastal Erosion?
Posted on June 21, 2011
It’s not hard to get overwhelmed when considering your community’s current flood and erosion problems. Add in projections for what future climates will bring and it’s enough to make you want to just stay at home (at least until the sea comes into your home). Unfortunately, nobody has found a silver bullet to save coastal […]
EPA and NOAA Combine Forces to Protect Coastal People and Ecosystems
Posted on June 16, 2011
John Bowie just shared this good news over on StormSmart Connect: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have announced a joint agreement that will protect the safety, health, and property of people living in or visiting coastal communities around the nation. The two agencies will partner with local […]
How Residents Can Lower (or Keep) Homeowner’s Insurance
Posted on June 14, 2011
A good short article on Al.com on how building smarter can do more than just keep buildings safe, it can lower homeowner insurance premiums (to lower flood insurance rates, learn more about the Community Rating System). We’ve long been fans of freeboard, and have touted how much money it can save homeowners. What’s great about […]
State Gets Grant to Fund Help Protect Homes from Hurricanes
Posted on June 9, 2011
As reported on MPBonline, the state of Mississippi has received a $23.9 million grant to help homeowners retrofit homes for hurricanes in Jackson, Harrison and Hancock Counties. The program is being managed by a new state group called “Coastal Retrofit Mississippi.” According to their website, funds will be used to help homeowners with: Retrofitting roof systems […]
Community Says Addressing Sea Level Rise Good for Local Economy
Posted on June 5, 2011
In tough economic times, there are those who think that municipalities need to be less particular about growth in order to be more “business friendly,” especially for issues felt to be far off in the future, like sea level rise. But Portland, Maine is choosing to address sea level rise head-on, and at least one […]