Determine the costs and benefits of a regional surge barrier

Multiple projects are underway to protect specific neighborhoods from coastal storm-surge flooding, but a larger-scale approach—such as a regional barrier system—must be evaluated against other alternatives, as extreme storms are likely to become more frequent and intense. The Army Corps of Engineers should lead a comprehensive study to determine the need, cost, and feasibility of a regional surge barrier, emphasizing the impacts on communities and the region’s ecosystem. This should be done in partnership with relevant public agencies, the region’s academic institutions, and experts from private organizations and nonprofits.