The Northeast-Midwest Institute has released a new report titled “Natural Infrastructure’s Role in Mitigating Flooding Along the Upper Mississippi River.” The report examines the major flooding risks and flooding impacts experienced by communities in the Upper Mississippi Region, presents projections for how flooding will increase in the future, and examines the use and effectiveness of both traditional flood infrastructure and natural infrastructure in mitigating flooding.
Dr. Michael J. Goff, President and CEO of the Northeast-Midwest Institute, stressed the report’s importance to highlighting effective natural infrastructure and to advancing sound public policy in response to climate change and its impacts.
The report examines two cities as case studies: Davenport, IA, and La Crosse, WI. Davenport, IA is used as a great example of a city using natural infrastructure to reduce flooding impacts from the Mississippi River. La Crosse, WI on the other hand shows how natural infrastructure can be used effectively to prevent inner-city flooding caused by intense or prolonged precipitation. According to the report’s author, Christopher Askew-Merwin, Senior Policy Analyst for Water Programs, these two cities can serve as examples for communities around the region.
Natural infrastructure is generally more effective at flood mitigation, more cost-effective than traditional methods, and provides additional benefits such as cleaner air and water.
To read the full report, click here.