The City of Boston has released the US Army Corps of Engineers’ draft Boston Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study, marking a key step in a large-scale coastal resilience initiative. The draft document outlines a framework that would enable the city to tap into federal cost-sharing for a planned program of more than 20 projects designed to mitigate storm-related flooding and damage along Boston’s shoreline and adjacent neighborhoods.
The feasibility study is projected for completion in 2028. Once finalized, it is expected to allow Boston to access up to 65% federal cost-sharing for a coastal resilience program with an estimated value of $10 billion. According to the draft study, the planned portfolio of projects is intended to prevent an estimated $41 billion in damages from coastal flooding over time, reflecting the scale of risk facing properties and infrastructure in the city.
Boston officials framed the initiative as a response to more frequent and severe weather events that are already affecting low-lying and vulnerable areas. Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized that the city’s future depends on steps taken now to build resilient communities, highlighting the need to protect inland neighborhoods most at risk from coastal storm surge and sea-level rise. She described the Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study as critical to understanding how best to safeguard these areas and to unlocking the resources needed for implementation.
Data from the mayor’s office underscores the city’s exposure to climate risk. Roughly one sixth of Boston is built on filled tidelands, which are particularly susceptible to flooding driven by rising seas and extreme weather. Since 1991, Boston has experienced 24 severe storm events that led to federal or state disaster declarations, and 14 of those storms caused major flooding. These figures provide the backdrop for the current push to advance a comprehensive coastal defense strategy.
The draft report has been opened for public review and comment, with a formal comment period running from July 24 through September 18. During this window, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders are invited to submit feedback on the proposed approach and to engage with the planning process. The city has indicated that information about upcoming community meetings and webinars related to the study is available through its climate resilience channels, giving interested parties multiple avenues to participate.
The partnership between Boston and the US Army Corps of Engineers on this feasibility study reflects an effort to align local and federal resources around long-term coastal storm risk management. While the draft report focuses on analysis and planning rather than specific construction timelines, its completion would set the stage for a multi-decade investment in coastal defenses intended to reduce damage from future storms and enhance the resilience of neighborhoods, critical infrastructure, and economic activity along the city’s waterfront.
