Protecting and Restoring Floodplain
Despite spending more than $25 billion on federal levees and dams,
national flood losses continue to rise.
The reasons are clear: at the same time more people are building
their homes and businesses in floodplains, farmers and home developers
are increasing the rate at which water moves off the landscape, into
feeder streams, and towards our riverside communities. Poor land-use
decisions have put more people at risk by allowing development in harm's
way and by eliminating the natural flood control functions of wetlands and
floodplains.
Some communities are charting a new
course by relocating vulnerable homes, farms, and businesses,
directing new development away from flood-prone areas, planting flood-tolerant
crops and working with their upstream neighbors to protect and restore
wetlands and floodplains throughout their river basin.
In addition to permanently eliminating the threat of future flooding,
alternatives like relocation and watershed management meet other needs of
riverside communities: improved water quality, better access for
river-based recreation, and improved habitat for river wildlife. Dozens
of programs are available.
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