Boston Plans $10 Billion Push to Protect Against Coastal Flooding

Part of Boston’s charm is the city’s proximity to the water, but that closeness also poses serious threats to the city’s long-term stability. That’s why officials in Boston are actively preparing for a future in which flooding could become an expensive and disruptive part of the city’s future. A new plan developed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposes more than $9 billion in baseline infrastructure projects designed to protect vulnerable parts of the city from coastal flooding and rising seas.

The size and cost of the project are already making headlines, but the potential problems created by doing nothing have prompted officials to take drastic action. Army Corps estimates indicate that Boston could face more than $54 billion in flood-related damages by the end of the century if additional protections aren't put in place.

The proposed plan represents a major shift in how cities manage sea level rises and flood infrastructure. Instead of waiting for a disaster, Boston could set a precedent by taking a proactive approach to preventing flood damage.

A Multi-Billion-Dollar Defense System

Boston’s coastline covers approximately 47 miles. The multi-billion-dollar proposal includes more than 20 projects that would cover roughly 16 miles of that coast. The projects would target vulnerable areas in East Boston, Charlestown, Downtown and the North End, South Boston, and Dorchester. The Boston flood protection plan includes floodwalls, berms, levees, raised infrastructure, and other measures intended to prevent floodwaters from reaching inland areas.

Instead of creating a massive barrier that would encircle the entire city, the plan focuses primarily on areas that would be the most vulnerable to sea level rise. According to the Army Corps, the projects would permanently close 20 long-term coastal flood pathways.

Why Boston Is Taking the Threat Seriously