http://www.projo.com/news/content/coastalhazards_03-25-08_QH9G8PE_v11.380972e.html

Coastlines endangered by rising sea levels are subject to new building codes, and the state of Rhode Island is leading the way in changing requirements for both public infrastructure and private developments. Regulations for bridges, roads, sewers, pipelines and residences are being modified to offset problems associated with climate change.

The coastal management team is recommending:

•Adopting an increase in the required first-floor elevation for new and improved structures in high hazard areas along the coast.

•Creating a standard method for determining whether improvements to buildings damaged by storms amount to more than 50 percent of the size or the value of the building — a determination that would force the owner to comply with more stringent, and expensive, building standards.

•Establishing a plan to remove debris that a storm would bring up the Bay and dump on the shores of East Providence and Providence.

•Tightening standards for structures built in so-called A-zones, where only minor wave damage would be expected.

Now the question is, will insurers adopt provisions to recognize these new standards to fight climate change and lower premiums?

Providence Journal; March 25, 2008

Submitted by B. Shapiro