This spring, the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems hosted a statewide gathering of Georgia’s local governments, industry partners, utility companies, regional commissions, conservation organizations and more. The goal: a comprehensive plan to build a more resilient Georgia.
The work was particularly informed by the severe damage across eastern Georgia caused by Hurricane Helene in fall of 2024. As stormwater infrastructure ages, development pressures increase, and natural hazards like flooding become more imminent, this team’s goal is to proactively buffer Georgia’s communities against future risks.
In addition to research engineers and scientists from IRIS, the team is supported by representatives from The Pew Charitable Trusts. Kristiane Huber, an Officer of U.S. Conservation projects, recently wrote featuring IRIS’s work towards regional and local resilience efforts for Georgia.
Top image: Dr. Brian Bledsoe, IRIS Director, makes introductory remarks at the Statewide Resilience Assessment Convening, March 2025