Boston Faces Urgent Coastal Flooding Risks, Study Warns
Boston Faces Urgent Coastal Flooding Risks, Study Warns
US · Published Sep 18, 2026
A new draft feasibility study by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) highlights the urgent need for Boston to implement a comprehensive coastal protection plan.

Impact & Risks

The study underscores significant risks to Boston's residents and infrastructure. Nearly 20,000 buildings are at risk of severe flood damage, and low-lying areas could experience inland flooding, threatening neighborhoods far from the waterfront. Critical infrastructure, including Logan International Airport, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, and major highways, could face disruptions. The USACE estimates that sea levels in Boston could rise by up to four feet by 2090, with nuisance flooding events becoming more frequent and severe. Without intervention, the city could face widespread economic losses and public safety challenges.

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