Dive Brief:
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Construction firms that win federal contracts to build or rebuild in flood-prone areas will be subject to higher standards outlined in an executive order signed by the president Friday.
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In an effort to guard against flooding, federal agencies will be accountable for using the “best-available, actionable climate science,” according to the order. That means building structures two feet higher than the 100-year base flood elevation—and three feet higher for hospitals— or building to the 500-year flood elevation.
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The standards are a change from the 37-year-old guidelines builders have followed in the past, even as storms have become more severe and development along U.S. coastlines has become more prevalent.
Dive Insight:
The president said the stricter building standards are necessary because climate change is raising sea levels and intensifying storms, which increases the risk of severe flooding. Some local governments have already adopted building guidelines that require the same precautions.