Coastal Resilience

The Threat

Sea Level Rise Projections (Mid-Atlantic region)

Note: Rate is 3-4x the global average due to land subsidence.

Infrastructure at Risk

• 980 miles of coastline
• Roads, bridges, utilities in flood zones
• Wastewater treatment plants near coast
• Critical facilities (hospitals, emergency services)

Economic Consequences

• Superstorm Sandy: $65 billion regional damage
• 100,000+ Long Island homes damaged or destroyed
• Property value decline in flood-prone areas
• Insurance availability/affordability crisis

Resilience Strategy

Nature-Based Solutions

• Living shorelines: Oyster reefs, salt marshes that absorb wave energy
• Eelgrass restoration: Stabilizes sediment, improves water quality
• Beach nourishment: Regular sand replenishment
• Coastal forest preservation: Buffers against storm surge

Infrastructure Hardening

• Critical facility elevation above projected flood levels
• Road raising in repeatedly flooded areas
• Stormwater management upgrades (green infrastructure)
• Redundant utility connections (power, water, communications)
• Microgrids for essential services

Managed Retreat

• Expand Community Preservation Fund buyouts of high-risk properties
• Transfer of development rights from coastal to inland areas
• Rolling easements that adjust with sea level
• Disclosure requirements for coastal property buyers
• Building code updates restricting new construction in highest-risk zones

Building Code Updates

• Freeboard requirements: Building above base flood elevation
• Storm-resistant roofing and windows
• Flood-resistant materials: For first floors
• Elevated utilities: HVAC, electrical

Funding Mechanisms