NEWS RELEASE

July 22, 2019

For Immediate Release

City Joins International Leaders to Address Coastal Infrastructure Threats

SAVANNAH, GA (July 22, 2019) —The City of Savannah joined a group of international leaders to explore solutions to coastal infrastructure challenges last Wednesday. The consortium of leaders, which included Mayor Eddie DeLoach and Chief Infrastructure and Development Officer Heath Lloyd, met in Charleston to attend the Dutch Dialogues Colloquium.

“Although the effects of changing sea levels have yet to seriously impact the shores of Savannah, our city is exploring forward-looking strategies to protect against flooding, storm surges, and other disasters,” said Mayor DeLoach. “By investing in infrastructure early - and working with stakeholders at every level - we can keep our children, homes, and communities safe for years to come.”

The Dutch Dialogues, created in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, are a series of programs designed to help coastal cities better manage flooding and other water disasters. The colloquiums, coordinated by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, promote plans for water management through infrastructure investment that prioritizes historic preservation and community involvement.

“Flooding and other water disasters are a significant threat to coastal cities across the world, and I’m thankful that Mayor DeLoach has committed to taking a meaningful look at infrastructure solutions which will undoubtedly safeguard the livability of the City of Savannah,” said Koosje de Vries, Deputy Consul General for the Netherlands. “It is my hope that leaders from across the United States will learn from the Netherlands to find innovative, community-forward solutions to manage coastal challenges.”

For more information on the Dutch Dialogues program, please visit https://www.dutchdialoguescharleston.org/.