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September 19, 2017

Big storms aren't slowing coastal growth

  • Hazard researchers don't see growth slowing down — unless multiple giant storms overwhelm federal and state budgets.
  • By JEFF DONN
    AP National Writer

    Rising sea levels and fierce storms have failed to stop relentless population growth along U.S. coasts in recent years, a new Associated Press analysis shows. The latest punishing hurricanes scored bull's-eyes on two of the country's fastest growing regions: coastal Texas around Houston and resort areas of southwest Florida.

    Nothing seems to curb America's appetite for life near the sea, especially in the warmer climates of the South. Coastal development destroys natural barriers such as islands and wetlands, promotes erosion and flooding, and positions more buildings and people in the path of future destruction, according to researchers and policy advisers who study hurricanes.


     
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