The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Flood Resiliency Blueprint program is scheduled to host an online public information session March 25.
flood
Amid record growth, groups protect tracts from development
Population growth on the North Carolina coast has ramped up pressure on conservation groups to acquire and set aside land, such as the more than 2,000 acres in coastal counties recently protected from development, areas with natural landscape features that reduce flood risk, improve water quality and provide vital habitat.
Despite judge’s order, communities in 20 states still waiting
Coastal communities in line for announced federal storm resilience funding, which the administration pulled last year and that a judge last month ordered immediately and, permanently restored, are still wondering when the money will come.
NCDEQ’s staffing cut by more than 30% over 14 years: Report
As North Carolina’s population has grown and the factory farming industry expanded, the state’s environmental agency staff has been slashed by almost a third in less than 15 years.
Climate change compounds challenge to stabilize beaches
Stabilizing Outer Banks beaches is becoming more challenging with the quickly evolving and often unpredictable consequences of a changing climate: Sea levels are increasing faster than projected, storms are intensifying, rainfall is heavier.
Public hearing Tuesday on proposed ‘WOTUS’ definition
A hearing is set for next week on the proposed definition rolled out last month for “Waters of the United States,” which outlines the waterbodies eligible for protection under the federal Clean Water Act, that conservationists warn will leave millions of acres of nontidal wetlands vulnerable to pollution, harm fish habitat and worsen flooding.
UNCW center awarded grant for flood planning, resilience
The Endowment, established from New Hanover County’s sell of New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health in 2020, has awarded a $500,000 grant to UNCW’s Center for Marine Science to help enhance flood safety and resilience efforts in the county.
Appeals period to begin for Jacksonville’s revised flood maps
Jacksonville recently hosted an informational open house on the proposed updated flood studies and revisions to the 2016 flood insurance rate maps that the city appealed.
Flooding keeps NC 12 closed to traffic as Erin heads out to sea
State transportation crews were clearing N.C. Highway 12 and rebuilding dunes in the wake of Hurricane Erin’s pass offshore, as flooding conditions continued and the road remained closed Friday morning.
Coastal counties seek regional hazard mitigation plan input
The federally mandated Southeastern N.C. Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which identifies natural hazard risks and ways to mitigate and respond to those risks, is under review as part of a five-year update.
Proponents of Leland flood zone rules say it’s a moral issue
Advocates of the Brunswick County town’s proposal to strengthen and expand flood zone building rules say officials must ensure they are not putting property owners, emergency personnel in danger.
AG Jackson anticipates legal win over pulled federal funding
Attorney General Jeff Jackson, during a tour of Pollocksville Tuesday, said he is confident that courts will remove a block on grant awards from the administration-axed FEMA program for resilient local infrastructure.
National Weather Service staff to answer hurricane questions
The public is invited to attend one of three community forums, including one Monday in Havelock, to learn more about preparedness and effects and speak with a National Weather Service meteorologist.
UNC study: Repeat flooding more widespread than thought
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill researchers used anonymous, address-level National Flood Insurance Program records and observational damage to create maps of 78 floods that three-quarters of the state experienced over 25 years to determine which buildings experienced flooding and how often.
Flooding from storm forces closure of Manteo Library
Dare County officials announced Friday that the public library in Manteo had to close because of extensive flooding on Burnside Drive and surrounding side streets.
Water finds your weakness: Louisiana’s lessons for Down East
Former Coastal Review editor Frank Tursi recently joined Core Sound Museum Director Karen Amspacher and others on a trip to start a conversation with those who live where levees gave way and homes flooded during Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago.
