Massachusetts is considering limiting development in "high-hazard" coastal areas after decades of vicious, costly storms and predictions of many more in years to come, according to a state commission's draft report.
The report by the Massachusetts Coastal Erosion Commission, created by the Legislature in 2013, says one way to reduce the impact of erosion and flooding on property, infrastructure and natural resources is by siting new development and substantial redevelopment away from such areas.
"The recommendation was to evaluate potential setback approaches," said Bruce K. Carlisle, a commission member and director of the state Office of Coastal Zone Management. "It stopped short of recommending a setback approach."
The report calls for, among other things, adopting the 2015 International Building Codes for structures in floodplains and assessing the impact of rising sea levels during regulatory review of coastal projects.
The report also recommends a voluntary program to buy back high-hazard or storm-damaged properties after cost/benefit analyses.
"This is a provision of the environmental bond bill ... that did pass the state Legislature last July, so that's the authorization, but it has to be appropriated," Carlisle said. "The secretary (of energy and environmental affairs' office) is looking at that provision, but that's really all we can say at this time."
Massachusetts is a state where people have long treasured their beachfront homes, but taxpayers and insurance rate payers have borne the brunt of the high cost of bailing out storm-ravaged homes.
Since 1978, Federal Emergency Management Agency payments for Massachusetts storms with coastal impacts such as flooding and erosion have totaled more than $600 million. Over the past 30 years, the average erosion rates range from 8.70 feet per year in Yarmouth on Cape Cod to 0.99 feet per year in West Tisbury on Martha's Vineyard.
"We as human beings want to live as close to the water as we can, but we have to realize we're not in control of everything," said Paul Schrader, a commission member who has lived in Sandwich for 18 years. "Climate change is causing more violent storms. If we don't take a cautious approach, then we suffer very sad consequences."
After a series of public hearings next month, the commission will issue a final report to the Legislature in the spring or summer, Carlisle said.
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