A conceptual drawing of flood defenses in the Charlestown Navy Yard from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Boston Coastal Storm Risk Management Study. Image courtesy of city of Boston

Boston is on the front line of coastal flooding, facing increasing impacts from sea level rise, storm surge, Nor’easters and frequent nuisance flooding.

Disruptions affect not only local residents and businesses, but also critical infrastructure, regional transportation, irreplaceable historic structures, and public access along Boston Harbor.

It has been calculated that a major storm within the next 15- 20 years similar to those we’ve already experienced could cause as much as $50 billion of damage to the New England economy.

This is not a future problem. Flooding is already occurring and worsening. Even if we act with urgency now, we will remain vulnerable until a comprehensive resilience project is completed.

Federal Study an Opportunity

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Boston Coastal Storm Risk Management Study, currently underway, is the first step toward a large-scale federal investment in coastal protection along Boston’s shoreline. This study will determine what gets built, where it is located, and what is eligible for federal funding.

If implemented, the federal government can fund up to 65 percent of construction, making this a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We are currently in the most important decision window of the entire process.

The draft feasibility report, released in July, will largely define the final project. Community responses to the USACE are due Sept. 18, and once the final report is released, changes will be significantly more difficult to incorporate.

There are five communities that the USACE has prioritized as discrete projects, the combined North End/Wharf District/Downtown being one of them. While being generally supportive of what has been presented (and appreciative of the inclusive approach that the USACE has taken to receiving community input), there remain some requirements that need resolution before the North End/Wharf District/Downtown neighborhood can fully endorse it.

Changes Needed to Corps’ Plans

Two potential alignments have been proposed for the North End; one protects the whole neighborhood, the other does not adequately protect the northern half of the neighborhood. The North End community has a strong preference for more complete protection as shown in the “DT-3 Extent” option.

The entire neighborhood will be subject to catastrophic stormwater flooding – in some cases up to 36 feet deep – if the USACE project is implemented and does not incorporate ways to manage rain from severe storms.

Equally importantly, the USACE should not create a sea level rise barrier that prevents or makes it more difficult or expensive for the Boston Water & Sewer Commission to build the necessary stormwater management systems.

While still early in the design process, clarification is nonetheless important as to what is and what is not part of the USACE’s work and budget.

Key components of Boston’s future waterfront should include: a new, world-class Harborwalk that continues to invite everyone to enjoy access to the waterfront and relocated docks and gangplanks to support water access and expanded water transit.

Marc Margulies

Where More Specifics Are Needed

In addition, the process should better identify what the “non-federal sponsor” will be asked to pay.

While the Corps will pay for 65 percent of their project, it is still not clear what is excluded from their work, and how much remains for the “non-federal sponsor” (i.e. city, state and private) to realize our collective aspirations for a resilient, inclusive and beautiful Boston waterfront that contributes to the Boston, state and regional economies.

The Wharf District Council commissioned the engineering firm Arup to study coastal resilience projects across the United States with an eye toward promoting learning and sharing best practices, which we’ve posted online at wharfdistrictcouncil.org/climateresilience. We should take advantage of this valuable study to avoid mistakes made elsewhere and to incorporate best practices into our own process.

The Corps of Engineers’ Boston Harbor study is a generational opportunity; decisions made now will determine whether this project walls us off from the harbor or instead creates the kind of public realm enjoyed by other great cities around the world like Sydney, Amsterdam, Chicago, New York or Stockholm.

We encourage all stakeholders to read and comment on the USACE draft report so that the final report that gets submitted to Congress for funding reflects our collective vision for Boston’s future.

Marc Margulies is president of Boston’s Wharf District Council, a nonprofit neighborhood association representing the Wharf District.