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
Boston’s relationship with the water is a lengthy one that has provided both benefits and vulnerabilities. The city's coastline is home to residential neighborhoods, businesses, transportation infrastructure, and some of the region's most valuable real estate. Flooding in these areas can affect much more than individual properties. Roads can become impassable, public transportation can be disrupted, businesses can lose access, and critical infrastructure can be damaged.
Boston isn’t dealing only with hurricanes and coastal storms. The city also experiences flooding during some high tides and storms. As sea levels continue to rise, city officials believe that the risk of these events producing significant damage will increase.
According to studies, more than 40% of Boston residents currently live in areas that are considered at risk of coastal flooding. Even areas that are more than a mile from the coastline could face significant flood damage during an emergency.
The "100-Year Flood" Doesn't Mean Once Every Century
The term “100-year flood” is one of the most misunderstood concepts in flood preparation. The term actually doesn’t refer to a property that has experienced flood damage in the last 100 years. Instead, it means that a property has at least a 1% chance of flooding in any given year. This means that decades could pass without a flood like this, but it also means that the same area could face multiple floods within the same year.
That distinction is especially important when cities discuss infrastructure and climate resilience. A project that’s designed today might impact homeowners several decades in the future, which means that engineers have to consider current flood risks and how those risks may evolve.
Who Will Pay for the Projects?
As is often the case with government projects, there are a lot of questions about how the Boston coastal flooding project will be funded. The Army Corps' study makes the projects eligible for significant federal participation. Under the current framework, the federal government could cover approximately 65% of the baseline infrastructure costs, leaving Boston and other local partners responsible for the remaining share.
The city has also been working with the Boston Green Ribbon Commission on a broader financial strategy for coastal resilience. That effort is examining potential federal, state, municipal and private funding sources, along with ways to distribute the costs of protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure along Boston’s waterfront.
Boston Has Been Planning for Flooding for Years
The $10 billion figure didn’t come together overnight. In 2016, Boston launched its Climate Ready Boston after studying how sea level rise, coastal storms, and other climate hazards may impact the city. Since then, the city has developed resilience plans covering its entire 47-mile coastline and begun implementing individual projects.
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