New FEMA rule outlines federal-building construction updates
At the same time the agency struggles to cover disaster relief, FEMA says it will help pay for more flood resiliency.
Heightened flood risk in the U.S. has led to new construction guidelines for federal buildings, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The agency’s Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) is a flexible framework for increased flood resilience, according to FEMA, making taxpayer-funded projects more flood-resistant while protecting federal investments and reducing the risk of damage and loss from floods.
FEMA said it will pay for the applicable federal cost share to implement the FFRMS, which is often 75% or more.
In an interview with PropertyCasualty360.com, Don Snizaski, former OSHA compliance officer and founder of Life and Safety Consultants Inc. said, “Funded projects like hospitals and municipality operations will be even more secure from potential flood damage.”
“Most of these events are happening along the coastline in southern states, where many folks around the country are moving,” he added. “As a result, more homes and businesses will soon be at risk, and more damage means higher insurance premiums for everyday homeowners, even in states less prone to hurricanes and floods.”
FEMA said the new rule applies to FEMA-funded actions involving new construction, substantial improvement, or repairs to damage, and would allow the agency to consider the best available science in making projects and communities more resilient to increased flood conditions.
“The human and economic cost of flooding is devastating and will only grow in the years ahead as the impacts of climate change grow more intense and reach more communities,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a press release about the new rule. “Taking forward-looking, effective steps to increase resilience before disaster strikes will save lives, property, critical infrastructure and taxpayer money. The Federal Flood Risk Management Standard ensures that FEMA-funded projects meet that mandate. We cannot be passive as climate change threatens the safety and security of the American people and our homeland.”
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