East Coast sea level rise - a new urban/rural divide?

Rising sea levels, one of the consequences of global warming, are a threat around the world, but the eastern coast of the U.S. may get much more than its share of this particular problem, according to scientific models (East Coast May Feel Rise in Sea Levels the Most, David A. Fahrenthold, Washington Post, June 8, 2009).

East coast governors from New York to Virginia pledged to identify places and facilities most vulnerable to high water, including port areas, parts of the power grid and other infrastructure - as part of an agreement on Atlantic Ocean issues. As policy makers make plans to adapt by protecting critical infrastructures, simple economics indicates that cities will enjoy a level of protection, while rural areas may be abandoned.