The Obama administration provided some states with $1 billion in disaster prevention money Thursday, as part of the president’s efforts to stave off the worst effects of climate change.
“Under President Obama’s leadership, the United States has taken more action to combat climate change than ever before,” the White House said in announcing the funding. “In addition to working to cut carbon pollution, build a clean energy economy and protect our natural resources, the Administration has taken unprecedented steps to better prepare communities across the country for the increasingly destructive impacts of climate change.”
The White House called the $1 billion “historic” in its commitment to build “climate-resilient communities.” The $1 billion will be spread across 13 states that won the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s National Disaster Resilience Competition.
One of the top four recipients is Iowa, which received more than $96 million ahead of the Feb. 1 presidential caucuses.
“Iowa, which has experienced extreme flooding and torrential rainfall — both expected to increase in frequency and intensity with rising temperatures — is focused on a watershed-based approach to increase water quality upstream while sustaining its valuable agricultural economy and protecting vulnerable residents in downstream communities,” the White House said.
The highest award went to New York City, with $176 million to help it construct a coastal flood protection system in Lower Manhattan. “The system will increase coastal protections while also enhancing the connection between the neighborhoods and to community facilities,” the White House said.
Some of the other HUD awardees include: California with $70. 4 million; Connecticut with $54. 3 million; Louisiana with $92.6 million; New Jersey with $15 million; the State of New York, separate from NYC, with $35.8 million; New Orleans, separate from Louisiana, with over $141 million; Virginia with more than $120 million.
