Wisconsin Re-evaluates Current Flood Standards

Wisconsin officials are re-evaluating whether infrastructure is being built and maintained to strict enough standards to handle severe weather.

Engineering professor Ken Potter of the University of Wisconsin-Madison says some design standards reflect rainfall data that’s 40 years old. But since storms have been increasing in frequency and severity over the last few years, bridges might too low and sewer pipes too small.

The state Department of Transportation says it’s been reassessing its standards, even before the floods earlier this month.

DOT engineer Najoua Ksontinia says the agency already agreed to spend $173,000 for a new analysis of rainfall levels.

That data will be used to evaluate whether bridge heights and other flood-related standards need to be changed.