ASLA Opposes Elimination of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS)

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to President Trump's executive order intended to streamline the environmental approval process for major infrastructure projects, Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA, executive vice president and CEO of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), released the following statement:

"ASLA is deeply concerned with the executive order's roll back of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS). This order ignores both existing risks of flooding and future impacts of climate change, thereby increasing the risk of loss of property and lives. Responsible planning and development must address issues of floodplain management and incorporate green infrastructure in order to improve the resilience and security of our communities.

"We need the kind of infrastructure plan that helps our nation thrive, grows jobs and improves community health and resilience. ASLA priorities for the nation's infrastructure, outlined in "Landscape Architects Leading Community Infrastructure Design and Development," center on green infrastructure solutions in four areas:

• fixing our nation's water management systems;
• upgrading to a multimodal transportation network;
• recognizing public lands, parks and recreation as critical infrastructure; and
• designing for resiliency.

"We will continue to work at the intersection of design and smart policy, working with legislators and stakeholders on green solutions that work. ASLA intends to remain at the forefront of this conversation, especially through our upcoming Blue Ribbon Panel on Climate Change and Resilience, which will take place September 21-22 at the ASLA Center for Landscape Architecture in Washington, D.C."

About ASLA
Founded in 1899, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is the professional association for landscape architects in the United States, representing more than 15,000 members. The Society's mission is to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, education and fellowship. Sustainability has been part of ASLA's mission since its founding and is an overarching value that informs all of the Society's programs and operations. ASLA has been a leader in demonstrating the benefits of green infrastructure and resilient development practices through the creation of its own green roof, co-development of the SITES® Rating System and the creation of publicly accessible sustainable design resources.

SOURCE American Society of Landscape Architects