Congressman Buddy Carter Recognized by American Flood Coalition as a Federal Champion
As the representative of the entire coast of Georgia, Rep. Carter reaffirms commitment to innovative solutions to address flooding and sea level rise.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WASHINGTON, D.C., June 20, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Flood Coalition has announced Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter as a federal champion. He has joined its nonpartisan alliance to address the growing threat of flooding and sea level rise. Congressman Carter represents the entire Georgia coast.
From Tybee Island to St. Marys, the communities along Georgia’s 100 miles of coastline have faced immense challenges from rising sea levels, storm surge, and tidal flooding in recent years. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, sea levels in the Savannah area are expected to increase by 5.8 inches over the next 15 years. In total, over 13,000 properties along the Georgia coast are at risk from frequent tidal flooding and, since 2005, coastal property values have decreased by over $15 million due to rising sea levels.
“In recent years, the First District of Georgia, as well as areas across the nation, have experienced devastating floods,” said Congressman Carter. “As the representative of the entire coast of Georgia, I believe addressing flooding due to severe weather, changes in sea level, or any other reason is of critical importance. To do this, we must focus on mitigation and adaptation. While we can’t control Mother Nature, we should be looking for ways to lessen or prevent the disaster damage before it happens. I’m glad this coalition will give us an opportunity to work together to create solutions to help our communities prepare or recover from flooding disasters.”
Congressman Carter is the 15th Member of Congress to join the American Flood Coalition and the first Congressional representative from Georgia.
“As a former Mayor and state legislator, Congressman Carter knows first-hand the challenges posed by flood events to Georgia’s coastal communities,” said Melissa Roberts, Executive Director of the American Flood Coalition. “We are excited to welcome Congressman Carter to the coalition and to work with him to advocate for innovative solutions to flooding and sea level rise. Growing our membership to the Georgia coast will allow the Coalition to be even more effective in advancing policies to aid flood-affected communities.”
The American Flood Coalition is a nonpartisan group of cities, elected officials, military leaders, businesses, and civic groups that have come together to drive adaptation to the reality of higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding through national solutions that support flood-affected communities and protect our nation’s residents, economy, and military installations.
Cities, towns, elected officials, businesses, and local leaders wishing to join the American Flood Coalition or read more about the organization’s work can visit the coalition’s website (www.floodcoalition.org) to find out more.
