It makes more fiscal sense to buy flood-prone land and conserve it than to cover the costs of the damages to developments, according to researchers from the University of Bristol and other institutions.
"Keeping vacant, flood-prone lands free of development could save taxpayers billions," writes Eli Chen, sharing the findings of new research published recently in the journal Nature Sustainability.
The study "found that every $1 spent acquiring undeveloped properties in the 100-year floodplain — which have a 1% chance of flooding in any given year — returns $5 that would be spent on emergency services, flood insurance claims and other flood damage costs if those properties became developed."
"As the number of people living in flood-prone regions like St. Louis is increasing, local governments should consider protecting undeveloped floodplain properties instead of building on them, said Barbara Charry, the floodplain and nature-based solutions strategy manager for the Nature Conservancy’s Missouri chapter."
To find solutions to the challenges of making that vision a reality, the Nature Conservancy is working with the Army Corps of Engineers "to develop a plan to improve floodplain management for the eight municipalities along the lower Meramec River," reports Chen.
Historic floods inundated the Mississippi River watershed during last year's rainy season.
FULL STORY: Cities Buying Empty Lots In Flood-Prone Areas Could Save Taxpayers Money, Study Claims
Vancouver, Rain City
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San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research