NCDEQ to host online session on flood mitigation Blueprint

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is hosting an online public information session this month to provide an overview of the Flood Resiliency Blueprint.

During the meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. March 25, state officials will also provide information on the program’s online decision support tool and ongoing development of river basin action strategies.

The GIS-enabled tool is designed to provide users with accurate, data-driven flood risk and vulnerability assessments, allow them to explore, develop and define flood resilience actions, and help them evaluate and prioritize effective flood resilience actions.

The Flood Resiliency Blueprint, also referred to as the Blueprint, is the largest proactive statewide flood mitigation investment in the state’s history.

The Blueprint supports the planning, evaluation and implementation of flood resilience plans by equipping local governments, the state and supporting organizations with data, tools and processes to guide investments to reduce flood risk, fund priority projects and address gaps in mitigation efforts.

A total of 81 flood resilience projects have been funded since 2024 in the North Carolina General Assembly-designated river basins, which include the Neuse, French Broad, White Oak, Tar Pamlico, Cape Fear and Lumber. Those projects total more than $40 million.

Officials will also deliver during the information session a river basin action strategy for each of the basins, which will include a set of projects and funding strategies to reduce flooding, lessen damage, and strengthen communities’ ability to withstand, adapt to and recover quickly from future disasters.

Attendees of the public information session will get the opportunity to ask questions. Questions may also be submitted via email to blueprint@deq.nc.gov. 

To join by Webex go to https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/j.php?MTID=m1e4c9ef1d0647e6928d442190ce486e5. The meeting number/access code is 2438 419 0160 and the password is blueprint. To join by telephone dial 1-415-655-0003.