Resilience Based Decision Support System for Critical Transportation Corridors

A comprehensive methodology for developing a decision-making support tool is proposed that assesses risks for transportation corridors, with a particular focus on infrastructure and services to support the blue economy. Central to this approach is the integration of coastal considerations into the Vulnerability Assessment Scoring Tool (VAST) and its application within vulnerability assessments. By augmenting VAST with a Coastal Category, the methodology aims to illuminate disparities and highlight vulnerable populations, ensuring their representation in decision making processes. Through the inclusion of indicators such as income levels, disability prevalence, and accessibility during extreme events, the Coastal Category within VAST enables a nuanced understanding of vulnerability within coastal communities. Ultimately, by addressing coastal disparities head-on, this methodology not only enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of vulnerability assessments but also advances broader goals of resilience in coastal transportation planning.