A tidal swamp on the Grays River, Washington. Tidal swamps and marshes can provide flood reduction and other ecosystem services. Credit: Oregon State University.

A new 2-year project is underway to evaluate the tradeoffs between gray and green infrastructure approaches for flood risk reduction by applying a cost-benefit analysis framework to two estuaries in the Pacific Northwest that represent a range of fluvial to coastal flood risks. Results will provide communities with actionable information to help them acquire support for coastal resilience projects. This project is is funded through the NCCOS Effects of Sea Level Rise Program. https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/project/a-cost-benefit-analysis-of-green-gray-infrastructure-for-sea-level-rise-adaptation-in-the-pacific-northwest-incorporating-externalities-and-ecosystem-co-benefits/ 

Partners include: Oregon State University, Louisiana State University, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory