North Carolina Legislature expands state’s flood protection and climate resilience

(RALEIGH, NC – June 26, 2020) The North Carolina Legislature recently passed House Bill 1087, (HB 1087) which includes a measure that would help reduce flooding incidents and keep flood-prone North Carolina communities safer. The provision expands the Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) program, allowing the state to further leverage private sector resources for nature-based flood mitigation projects such as wetland, floodplain and stream restoration. Nature-based solutions can often be completed more quickly and at a lower cost than hardened structures such as dams and levees.

“This program expansion comes at a time when flood-prone communities across the state need increased assistance, especially those communities that have been marginalized and disadvantaged for too long. Rep. Bell has championed this provision from the onset, and thanks to his, Sen. Newton’s and Rep. McGrady’s leadership, North Carolina can leverage the competitive and innovative spirit of the private restoration sector to rapidly advance work that saves lives, protects homes and businesses and preserves wildlife habitats.

“This effort puts North Carolina in a position to create a marketplace like no other in the country.  Once signed by the governor, state leaders can build on these efforts by moving quickly to fund this vital work utilizing state or federal pre-disaster programs.”

Background: North Carolina’s Legislature moves toward greater flood protection and climate resilience