The Pennsylvania state House recently advanced a resolution that urges the federal government to make the resiliency of the country’s infrastructure a priority.
The resolution asks the federal government to reduce unsustainable development in high-risk areas, enhance the use of natural defenses in planning and preparedness, and improve resiliency requirements for buildings and infrastructure systems built before and after flood-related catastrophes.
“The Commonwealth is the most prone to flooding in the nation, and residents suffer the greatest amount of property loss as a result. It’s clear that we need to provide safer, stronger, and sustainable infrastructure,” Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), who drafted the resolution, said.
Approximately $841 billion has been spent in flood-related disaster response in the United States and its territories since 2000.
Infrastructure quality in the United States is a D+, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Severe weather and an increased population have negatively impacted infrastructure.
More than 250 U.S. elected officials signed a Statement of Principles supporting resilient infrastructure that reduces risk and better meets environmental, social, and economic needs.
Copies of the resolution will be sent to President Donald Trump, Congressional leaders, the Federal Emergency Management Agency director and members of the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation.