All of us pay in one way or another for the studies, plans, and projects to restore, maintain, and protect these high risk coastal communities. We as residents, recreational users, taxpayers, investors, insurance customers, and so on are the underwriters of coastal development, coastal land use, and mitigation against coastal hazards. Despite the all too real potential for coastal catastrophe, the USA's population is migrating toward the coast at a rapid rate. In recent decades, areas within five miles of the shoreline have experienced population growth rates three times the national average. Unfortunately, the demand for ocean views and private beach access encourages development in extreme-risk, beachfront areas, placing ever increasing property investments, and more and more residents at high risk to the impacts of storm winds, waves, and flooding.
Oceanfront property is at risk from natural shoreline migration.
The storm record demonstrates that the danger is not just to beachfront property, but extends inland, especially on barrier islands. As more and more people live and vacation along the coast, more lives, property and dollars are put at risk. More private development in the coastal zone means more limited access to beaches. The growing congestion, in turn, means that evacuation capabilities may be exceeded. Risks increase with growth.