The concept of Sea Level Rise has advanced far beyond an academic model.  Based upon population estimates and statistics from FEMA, it is reasonable to estimate that between 35% and 40% of the US population live within communities likely to be impacted by changes in Sea level and coastal processes.   Therefore, resiliency is a topic that Miller Legg will be exploring further through a series of posts.

Sea level rise not only results in the obvious encroachment on community infrastructure, it also exacerbates the impacts of storm events, changes the elevation and quality of groundwater (drinking water) and significantly impacts agriculture, power and fuel supplies, fisheries and critical coastal habitats.

Coastal Municipalities have attracted high density populations. Many of which have aging infrastructure that is not compatible with rising surface and ground water. The State of Florida has stepped up to the plate and is offering grants to qualifying municipalities to conduct Vulnerability Assessments, Evaluate Adaptation Strategies, and implement adaptive measures for flood control projects including stormwater management, raising seawalls, ecosystem restoration, developing sustainable living shorelines and integration of  green and blue infrastructure into coastal resilient designs.

Should you have questions about resiliency and or grant opportunities for Municipalities please contact Jeff Marcus, PhD or William Mohler at 1-800-980-0073.  Or via email at jmarcus@millerlegg.com or  wmohler@millerlegg.com. Our in-house resiliency professionals are here to help.

Learn More about Living Shorelines in our next post.