Kathleen Ledoux AIA, CCM, LEED AP, ENV SP, Senior Resiliency Manager, Massachusetts Port Authority
Since 2013, Massport has led a comprehensive resiliency initiative designed to enhance business continuity amidst a range of human-made and natural threats. Over the years, significant milestones have been achieved, including the installation of flood protection measures at 100% of Tier 1 critical infrastructure sites. Massport has also developed and implemented robust operational plans while actively collaborating on regional resiliency efforts with other local and national organization initiatives aimed at safeguarding surrounding communities.
Massport’s resiliency strategy is guided by the following objectives:
- Strengthen infrastructure and operational resilience;
- Restore operations efficiently and safely during and after disruptive events;
- Establish adaptive feedback loops that enable responsive solutions as conditions evolve;
- Inform policy and operational decisions through rigorous scientific research, ensuring threat and vulnerability considerations are aligned with cost-benefit analyses;
- Serve as an industry leader in knowledge-sharing as a forward-thinking, resilient port authority; and
- Engage with key stakeholders to enhance awareness of the national, economic, and human security implications of extreme weather, climate change, and anthropogenic threats affecting Massport facilities and the broader region.
Background
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which severely impacted buildings, infrastructure, and transportation systems in New York and New Jersey, Massport swiftly conducted a comprehensive risk assessment of all critical facilities. This assessment established criteria for evaluating vulnerability and risk and leveraged advanced computer simulations to model storm surge scenarios and drainage systems—critical factors in determining appropriate levels of protection.
Asset Protection and Floodproofing Design
Given the waterfront locations of Logan International Airport, Conley Terminal, and other Massport facilities, numerous critical assets are exposed to flood risks. To mitigate these vulnerabilities, Massport developed a phased asset protection strategy that initially employed deployable barriers, later transitioning to permanent flood defense systems.
Additionally, Massport introduced a Floodproofing Design Guide, mandating that all new construction of critical infrastructure meet elevation standards above the established Design Flood Elevation. This guide has undergone several revisions to incorporate updated modeling and ensure alignment with evolving risk projections.
District-Scale Solutions: Piers Park II
The completion of Piers Park II in East Boston represents a long-term, district-scale climate mitigation effort. Managed and constructed by the Massport Resiliency Team, this newly developed greenspace is strategically elevated to provide storm surge protection for the local community.
Spanning 4.5 acres, the park complements the adjacent 6.5-acre Piers Park I, creating a unified waterfront recreational space. Designed for diverse activities, the park integrates landscape berms to serve as a buffer against rising sea levels, ensuring the neighborhood’s needs are met today while also addressing future environmental challenges. Piers Park II was elevated to match Piers Park I seamlessly, extending the Harborwalk and connecting pedestrian pathways across both parks.
Operational Readiness
Ensuring operational continuity remains a top priority for Massport, particularly for the safety of travelers, employees, first responders, and all stakeholders affected by disruptive events. Massport has implemented and maintains comprehensive flood operation plans for Logan Airport and maritime facilities, clearly outlining team responsibilities during storm preparation efforts.
In collaboration with the Massport Corporate Emergency Preparedness Team, the Resiliency Team conducts annual table-top exercises and barrier deployment drills. These exercises involve key stakeholders, including airlines, first responders, tenants, construction teams, and all Massport departments. Insights from participants are leveraged to refine and enhance operational plans.
Massport also utilizes a proprietary software application that facilitates real-time storm tracking, barrier installation progress, and environmental conditions reporting across sites, ensuring seamless communication and data-driven decision-making.
Mitigation Strategies
The Massport Resiliency Team works closely with the Sustainability Team to develop and execute projects that not only enhance resilience but also contribute to broader environmental goals. Initiatives such as Piers Park II exemplify this synergy, integrating climate adaptation strategies with greenhouse gas reduction efforts to mitigate the long-term impacts of climate change.
Kathleen Ledoux AIA, CCM, LEED AP, ENV SP manages Resiliency Projects for the Massachusetts Port Authority. These projects support Massport’s climate adaptation strategy and reduce the impact of Massport’s operations on the environment. Kathleen has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design. She is a Registered Architect, Certified Construction Manager, LEED Accredited Professional and an Envision Sustainability Professional. Kathleen is currently serving as the Construction Management Association of America – New England Chapter President.