By 2027, the shoreline will be elevated by 5 feet to prevent flooding from future storm surges.

New York City broke ground this week on a coastal resilience project that will protect Battery Park and the adjacent area from future storm surges, reports Vanessa Murdock for CBS News.
“The $200 million project will elevate the stretch of shoreline by 5 feet, while ensuring waterfront access for visitors and the boats that ferry them to the Statue of Liberty,” Murdock adds. According to the city’s Chief Climate Officer Rohit T. Aggarwala, the city is reusing materials on site and bringing in other supplies by water, eliminating the equivalent of 2,000 truck trips.
While the new project won’t be ready before this year’s upcoming hurricane season, Aggarwala says “New York is much better prepared than it was 12 years ago when Hurricane Sandy hit.”
FULL STORY: NYC starts raising Battery shoreline as part of climate plan. See the renderings of the final result.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.

Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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