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Boston, Army Corps Issue Draft Study of $10B Coastal Resilience Program
The City of Boston on Tuesday announced the release of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) draft Boston Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study. Projected for completion in 2028, the study will allow the city to access up to 65% federal cost-sharing in a $10-billion program to construct 20-plus coastal resilience projects and prevent an estimated $41 billion in damages from coastal flooding.
“The future of our city depends on the steps we take now to build resilient communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “With more frequent flooding in vulnerable areas during extreme weather events, the Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study is critical to understanding how to protect inland neighborhoods most at risk and unlocking resources to take action.”
Roughly one sixth of Boston is built on filled tidelands and is in danger of flooding due to sea-level rise and extreme weather, according to Wu’s office. Since 1991, Boston has experienced 24 severe storm events that triggered federal or state disaster declarations,14 of which caused major flooding.
The draft report is open to public comment from July 24 through Sept. 18. Residents and stakeholders can submit their feedback and learn about upcoming community meetings and webinars here.
- ◦Financing
