ASFPM Submits Letter for the Record on Nature-Based Infrastructure Hearing
ASFPM submitted a letter for the record to the House Science, Space, and Technology Environment Subcommittee for its March 2 hearing on the environmental, economic, and social benefits of green infrastructure in bolstering resilience in our communities.
The hearing, “From Gray to Green: Advancing the Science of Nature-Based Infrastructure,” focused on the current state of the science related to nature-based infrastructure as well as the research gaps in the federal coordination, investment, and engagement needed to support the implementation of nature-based infrastructure.
In the letter, ASFPM Executive Director Chad Berginnis noted that, despite recent progress, nature-based alternatives are not yet recognized to their full potential for reducing flood risk and in delivering a host of other social and environmental benefits. The letter also called for more research on alternatives to detailed hydrologic and hydraulic analysis for smaller stream restoration projects and a consideration of harnessing the power of machine learning and artificial intelligence for improved data analysis.
“We need to prioritize a national, coordinated approach on analyzing future flooding conditions — from rainfall to sea level rise,” Berginnis wrote in the letter. “We are pleased that Congress included the funding to enable a national Atlas 14 program in the recently passed infrastructure bill. Although FEMA did not see a similar boost in funding for flood mapping, ASFPM continues to emphasize the need for flood mapping to show future conditions as FEMA updates the nation’s flood maps.”
In her opening statement, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), chair of the subcommittee, spoke about the need for “additionalresearch, standardization of data sets and long-term monitoring efforts” to better understand the costs and benefits of nature-based solutions and the range of options available to protect communities from flooding.
“As we face increased risk of hazards from natural disasters, many due to climate change, there is a growing appreciation for the short- and long-term benefits that nature-based, or green, infrastructure can provide,” said Sherrill.
Witnesses invited to testify at the hearing were: Dr. Steven Thur, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Dr. Sherry Hunt, U.S. Department of Agriculture; and Dr. Todd Bridges, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
