In September of 2012, a 131-page comprehensive report was issued by the Grid Resiliency Task Force in Maryland. This task force was created in response to an executive order from Governor O'Malley in July 2012.  The goal was to obtain input and recommendations from experts on how to improve the resiliency and reliability of the Maryland electric distribution system.

The foundational principles that guided the Task Force recommendations included the following:

 The current level of reliability and resiliency during major storms is not acceptable.

 Increased reliability and resiliency during major storms is the goal of the Task Force and will inform the recommendations.

 Severe weather events resulting from climate change are likely to continue to occur. It is unacceptable for anyone involved in response efforts to continue to be surprised by the “worst storm” the system or the State has ever seen. Utilities, government and citizens must be prepared for severe weather events.

VISIT WEBSITE FOR A WEALTH OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION HERE

Overview of the Public Health Study

A home destroyed during the landfall of Superstorm Sandy is pictured in Mantoloking, New Jersey March 22, 2013.  Credit: REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

reuters.com - by Barbara Liston - September 24, 2013

(Reuters) - More than a million homeowners living in older houses along the coastlines and riverbanks of the United States are being jolted by federal flood insurance rate hikes under a law passed in the wake of devastating storms.

Carol Giovannoni, 51, of St. Pete Beach, a barrier island community off Florida's west coast, is one of the people dreading October 1, when the law takes effect. Giovannoni said the annual flood insurance premium on her standard 1950s concrete-block, ranch-style home on the waterfront will jump from $1,700 to $15,000 over the next few years.

(READ COMPLETE ARTICLE)

CLICK HERE - Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012