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Congress Seek Update Of Great Lakes Disaster Maps

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Members of Congress want to modernize computer maps that assess which natural resources and infrastructure in the Great Lakes region are most vulnerable to disasters.

The North American International Auto In Detroit Hosts Automakers Debuting Latest Vehicles
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 14: U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) attends the reveal of the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 at the 2019 North American International Auto Show during Media preview days on January 14, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. More than 5,000 credentialed journalists from around the world attend the Media preview. The 2019 NAIAS features more than 750 vehicles on display and approximately 800,000 people are expected to attend. The show is open to the public on January 19-27. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Environmental Sensitivity Index maps are developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They provide information that supports advance planning to deal with oil spills, major storms and other calamities.

Sens. Gary Peters of Michigan and Todd Young of Indiana have joined with several House members of both parties to introduce legislation requiring the first update of the maps in more than 20 years.

When revised, the maps would provide accurate assessments of coastal resources that are at risk. They include endangered and threatened species, sensitive shoreline habitats and community resources such as beaches, parks and boat ramps.

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