In this inaugural International Policy Masterclass, hosted in partnership with the American Flood Coalition, CSG South led a delegation of 19 lawmakers from 10 states to the Kingdom of the Netherlands to gain insight into water management and flood mitigation, including research and innovation, coastal protection, resiliency, costs, and funding sources.
For years, major flooding events have engulfed several Southern states. These repeated flood events can create a significant and long-term strain on the environment and economies, both in tangible losses and productivity. As the South braces for rising seas, heavier rains, future hurricanes, and continued coastal development, the Netherlands’ significant expertise in water management innovation, flood-control measures, and state-of-the-art disaster-mitigating infrastructure will be invaluable in navigating these challenges.
Over four days, delegates engaged in briefings and tours focused on natural and engineered solutions to coastal, urban, and inland flooding.
Experts from several ministries and organizations briefed attendees, including the following:
- U.S. Embassy
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
- Association of Dutch Water Authorities
- Deltares
- Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
- City of Rotterdam
- Port of Rotterdam
- Okra
- Municipality of Katwijk
Participants also received tours of the Port of Rotterdam and the Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier, one of the largest moving structures on Earth.
Participants included:
- Representative Chip Brown, Alabama
- Senator Jenn Bradley, Florida
- Representative James Buchanan, Florida
- Representative Jennifer Canady, Florida
- Representative Matt Windschitl, Iowa
- Senator Robin Webb, Kentucky
- Senator Phillip Wheeler, Kentucky
- Senator Beth Mizell, Louisiana
- Representative Jerome Zeringue, Louisiana
- Senate President Pro Tempore Dean Kirby, Mississippi
- Representative Zack Hawkins, North Carolina
- Representative Mark Pless, North Carolina
- Senate President Thomas Alexander, South Carolina
- Senator Larry Grooms, South Carolina
- Speaker Pro Tempore Tommy Pope, South Carolina
- Senator Mamie Locke, Virginia
- Speaker Don Schott, Virginia
- Senate President and Lieutenant Governor Craig Blair, West Virginia
- Delegate Clay Riley, West Virginia