The N.C. Division of Coastal Management is taking applications from local coastal-based governments to participate in the state Resilient Coastal Communities Program’s phases 1-4.
Phase 3 is designed to provide funding to assist coastal communities in the engineering and design of a project identified by an applicant in phases 1 and 2 of the program.
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Phase 4 provides funding to assist with the implementation of previously identified and prioritized resilience projects and supported by engineered site plans developed in phase 3.
Other eligible projects not identified in phases 1-2 may be eligible if a community has completed an evaluation to bypass those phases. Examples of eligible projects include wetland and stream restoration, flood mitigation, living shoreline stabilization, and infrastructure to improve stormwater management.
An estimated $2 million will be available for phases 1 and 2 and about $6 million available for phase 3 and phase 4 projects in fiscal 2025-26, according to a N.C. Department of Environmental Quality release.
The Resilient Coastal Communities Program aids communities in getting a better understanding of and enhancing coastal resilience at the local level. Phases within the program guide communities in assessing local risks and vulnerabilities, engaging representative stakeholders, and collaborating to identify and prioritize projects and actions to enhance resilience and protect critical assets.
County and municipal governments within the 20 Coastal Area Manage Act, or CAMA, counties and contractors who provide technical assistance to the localities selected may apply.
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Eligible contracts include private planning and engineering firms, Councils of Government, nongovernment organizations and public and private academic institutions.
Applications are also being taken from coastal communities to be matched with a contractor to fully update local CAMA land use plans that will integrate core elements developed through the program’s resilience strategies.
Communities that are selected will work to incorporate resilience into land use planning and support proactive risk-reduction measures. This work may be done in conjunction with phases 1 and 2 for new communities accepted into the program or independently completed in communities that have completed those phases.
An informational webinar about the application process will be held 2-3:30 p.m. March 21. Register online.
Phases 1-4 community application materials are available online.
Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. April 25.
Questions about the new Resilient Coastal Communities Program and completed applications may be sent to RCCP@deq.nc.gov.
