New study of storm and flooding mitigation recommendations released today

08.27.2014 | In Press Releases, Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Emily Guidry Schatzel, National Wildlife Federation, 225.253.9781, schatzele@nwf.org
Elizabeth Skree, Environmental Defense Fund, 202.553.2543, eskree@edf.org

New study of storm and flooding mitigation recommendations released today

As Katrina anniversary nears, conservation groups share study of ‘nonstructural measures’

(August 27, 2014 – New Orleans) As Hurricane Katrina’s ninth anniversary approaches this week, a new study released today provides key recommendations to assist coastal residents and businesses in building safe and more resilient communities.

The report, entitled “Achieving Resilience in Coastal Communities: Resources and Recommendations,” is the culmination of a year-long study of coastal Louisiana’s tools, projects and attitudes toward “nonstructural measures” that can mitigate flood risk and reduce the impacts of storm surge. Nonstructural measures include a wide array of activities, including evacuation, home elevation, flood proofing of buildings, flood insurance, planning and zoning and storm proofing critical public facilities. The study was sponsored by National Wildlife Federation as part of the Restore the Mississippi River Delta Coalition and was conducted and led by Dr. Alessandra Jerolleman, executive director for the National Hazard Mitigation Association.

“This is one of the most comprehensive studies to date on nonstructural measures and will greatly benefit not only Louisiana’s coastal communities, but also coastal areas across the country in their preparation for future storms and floodwaters,” said Dr. Jerolleman. “With disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy wreaking havoc on coastal communities and costing national and local economies billions of dollars, implementing nonstructural measures can make a substantial difference by reducing the impacts of storm surge and flooding.”

The report includes an introduction to nonstructural measures and the status of implementing the measures in Louisiana to mitigate coastal flooding as well as the impacts nonstructural measures have on local emergency planning efforts. It also provides residents, businesses and local communities with best practices based on national case studies that highlight successful implementation of nonstructural measures with an emphasis on creating resilient communities for the future.

“Our coastal communities are so important for regional and national economies,” said Maura Wood, senior partnership manager for National Wildlife Federation, who worked on the report. “Building and maintaining resilient communities takes collaboration and cooperation at all levels. This report gives examples of how residents and governments have worked together to make communities resilient. The Katrina anniversary reminds us that nonstructural measures are a proven and important part of making coastal residents safer.”

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WHO WE ARE: The Restore the Mississippi River Delta coalition is working to protect people, wildlife and jobs by reconnecting the river with its wetlands. As our region faces the crisis of threatening land loss, we offer science-based solutions through a comprehensive approach to restoration. Comprised of conservation, policy, science and outreach experts from Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, we are located in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Washington, D.C.; and around the United States. See more at www.mississippiriverdelta.org.