As flood risk changes, many communities brace for insurance rate shock
While the National Flood Insurance Program’s new way of setting flood insurance premiums better reflect a property’s flood risk, lawmakers say the significantly higher rates for some properties could discourage people from buying insurance.
How to get federal disaster aid: FEMA is running out of money, but these strategies can help survivors of Hurricane Idalia and the Maui fires get aid faster
COMMENTARY | After a natural disaster strikes a community, determining and documenting the extent of damage to homes and property is a crucial step in receiving financial aid to recover.
Federal, state regulators prod utilities to consider technology for grid upgrade
The ‘grid-enhancing’ tech—popular in other countries—could reduce the need for new wires.
EPA clean water rules reignite decades-old feud
The Biden administration issued new rules to abide by a May Supreme Court ruling that narrowed the scope of the Clean Water Act. But critics say the changes didn't go far enough.
States get a leg up on grant applications
To better compete for federal funding, several states are setting up programs to provide matching funds and grant writing expertise.
More cities address ‘shade deserts’ as extreme heat triggers health issues
Cities are trying to build heat resiliency into their infrastructure—including by boosting their tree canopy— all while experts warn of a public health threat growing more severe each year.
Cities struggle to solve the public restroom problem
There's a lack of public restrooms in U.S., which particularly affects the homeless. New policies and portable toilet models are helping to address the shortage.
Round-the-clock speed cameras improve safety in a city that never sleeps
New York City saw a 25% drop in traffic deaths and a 30% decrease in tickets issued after state lawmakers let it operate their speed cameras on nights and weekends.
Life in a rural ‘ambulance desert’ means sometimes help isn’t on the way
Rural health care services like ambulances and hospitals are often spread few and far between, research shows. A shortage of services puts residents' health at risk and even affects local economies, experts say.
Higher minimum broadband speeds reflect internet’s growth
The FCC last raised the standard definition of broadband in 2015. Since then, demand from users has soared, prompting some to call for raising that standard as states prepare to build more infrastructure.
Using future, not just historical data projections could make state, local infrastructure designs more resilient
One county is baking sea level rise data projections into its building design requirements in an effort to prepare for the future effects of climate change.
Much is at stake in Congress’ upcoming budget negotiations for state and local water agencies
Two analyses suggest governments will be getting far less than what they need. They blame politics and earmarks.
A need for green: Cities look to trees to improve health, climate justice
Cities and nonprofits are turning to trees as a possible solution to incoming climate crises and public health disparities.
AT&T, the broadband conundrum and a $204 million tax exemption
The tax break was the latest in favorable legislation for the state’s top political spender.
Gulf Coast carbon capture gets $1 billion boost from Biden administration
Texas and Louisiana are slated for largest-ever investment in direct air capture as part of an initiative that aims to build a nationwide network of large-scale carbon removal sites to mitigate the climate crisis.
‘Connected’ self-driving cars can speed up travel time
COMMENTARY | By communicating with each other and traffic control signals, connected vehicles can adjust their speeds to avoid stopping at intersections.
Keep it simple, experts tell feds on planned mileage fee experiment
States have already tested different approaches for how to replace gas taxes, but a federal pilot program mandated by the 2021 infrastructure law would be the biggest yet.
Feds open new round in $500M grant program for transportation tech
The second year of SMART grants will award another $100 million to state, local and tribal governments for safe, equitable and sustainable transportation solutions.
Louisiana breaks ground on experimental project to rebuild lost wetlands
The Mid-Barataria Diversion Project is a cornerstone of a $50 billion effort to save the state’s eroding coast.
Security planning begins as the U.S. prepares to play host to World Cup, Summer Olympics
Governments at all levels, as well as law enforcement, need close coordination and an eye on emerging threats to keep spectators and athletes safe.
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