(10/17/24) BATON ROUGE, La. — The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Research and Education Center has been awarded two grants aimed at addressing critical flood insurance and environmental challenges faced by Louisiana's coastal communities. These projects will provide essential insights into the future of flood insurance under FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 system and explore the flood insurance implications of the 2023 Coastal Master Plan.
The first project, funded by Louisiana Sea Grant’s Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development Competitive Research Program, will focus on increasing flood insurance literacy and environmental awareness in coastal Louisiana. Led by Md Adilur Rahim, assistant professor at the AgCenter, the initiative seeks to educate communities, policymakers and homeowners on the complexities of FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 system and the factors influencing flood insurance premiums.
“Louisiana is projected to lose $3.6 billion annually due to flooding, underscoring a critical need for comprehensive information on flood insurance and mitigation techniques,” Rahim said. “We hope that providing essential knowledge will enhance flood preparedness and decision-making across the state.”
The project will develop fact sheets and offer targeted outreach activities such as workshops in coastal communities. A key component will be an evaluation protocol to assess the program’s impact, ensuring that the initiative effectively informs and empowers residents and policymakers.
In addition to this literacy campaign, Rahim also received funding for a groundbreaking research project in collaboration with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. This research will assess the flood insurance implications of the 2023 Coastal Master Plan, focusing on how ongoing and future restoration and risk reduction projects will influence flood insurance affordability for coastal residents.
“With Louisiana's coastlines facing increasing threats, understanding the future of flood insurance is critical for protecting our communities and economy,” Rahim said. “Our research will provide valuable insights into how restoration efforts can ensure flood insurance remains accessible for coastal residents.”
The findings from this project will help inform future strategies under the 2029 Coastal Master Plan, ensuring that risk reduction efforts protect both lives and property while contributing to the maintenance of affordable flood insurance rates.
“This collaboration reflects the AgCenter’s commitment to applying research and innovation to the real-world challenges faced by Louisiana's communities," Rahim added. “Our work will help ensure that coastal residents can continue to protect their homes and livelihoods, even in the face of increasing flood risks.”
Both projects are part of LaHouse’s broader mission to enhance the resilience, sustainability and health of homes across Louisiana.
For more information on these projects and other ongoing research efforts at LaHouse, please visitwww.LSUAgCenter.com/LaHouse.
The LaHouse Research and Education Center is dedicated to providing science-based solutions to improve home resilience, sustainability and health. Through research, extension and education, LaHouse seeks to address the challenges of severe weather, with a particular focus on helping Louisiana residents protect their homes and communities from natural disasters.