District residents are at risk of increased urban flooding.
Our nation’s floodplains are expected to grow by approximately 45% by the end of the century. Densely populated areas are especially at risk when rainfall runoff from roads, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces overwhelms sewer and stormwater drainage capacity.
Approximately 1,000 residential buildings (single family homes, apartments, etc.) in the District are located in the 100- and 500-year floodplains. 98% of single family homes within the 100-year floodplain are in Wards 7 and 8. 82% of the single family homes within the 500-year floodplain are in Wards 7 and 8.
Mayor Bowser established the D.C. Flood Task Force to address urban flooding. As part of that effort, the task force recommended that the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE] implement the FloodSmart Homes Program to make residential structures at highest risk of flooding more resilient through home upgrades. Unfortunately, funding for the program was not included in the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget for DOEE even though DOEE has already started advertising the program to residents of flood prone areas.
It is incumbent upon the District to provide resources to help its most disinvested and underrepresented neighborhoods, especially in Wards 7 and 8, that are most at risk of flooding.
Urge the D.C. Council to restore $10 million for FloodSmart Homes!
