Florida Democratic Senator Bill Nelson wants to help shore up Florida’s coastal areas expected to suffer the most from climate change.
The legislation would make federal funds available for communities who need to brace themselves for climate change-related events. In an emailed statement, Nelson calls Florida “ground zero for sea-level rise.”
Coastal communities could upgrade their infrastructure to prepare for tidal flooding, beach erosion or saltwater intrusion. The loans would come from a state-run revolving loan program funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA.
NOAA predicts a possible sea level rise of more than three feet by the year 2050 at two Northeast Florida locations: Mayport and Fernandina Beach.
The city of Miami Beach is already trying to lessen the impact of climate change; spending 500 million dollars to install water pumps, build higher roads and sea walls.
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