North Carolina Leaders Invest in a More Flood Resilient Future

(RALEIGH, NC – Nov. 16, 2021) North Carolina Legislative leaders have released a state budget that includes significant investments in programs to increase flood resilience across the state.  

“With this budget, North Carolina will make an important down payment toward a more flood resilient future. Investments in natural infrastructure will deliver increased flood protection for more communities, more farmers and more businesses across the entire state — creating jobs while also improving the quality of our environment.  

“No region of our state is immune to the threat of flooding. Investments in natural solutions, such as floodplain and wetland restoration, help reduce the risk of flooding, while also increasing the health and vitality of our environment and delivering quality of life improvements for communities from the coast to the mountains.

“By investing in new state capacities for planning and providing technical assistance for local governments to develop resilience projects, legislative leaders, including Rep. Bell and Sen. Perry, have taken strong steps, helping to put North Carolina on a path to a safer, more prosperous future for generations to come.” 

• Will McDow, Director, Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds, Environmental Defense Fund  

Background: The proposed budget bill includes $20 million for a Flood Resilience Blueprint to guide planning and implementation of a coordinated, science-based statewide flood risk reduction strategy. Additionally, $18 million will fund natural infrastructure projects, through the Division of Mitigation Services and the state’s Land and Water Fund, to reduce flood risk and deliver other benefits. Local communities will also receive significant funding to increase their capacity to develop flood resilience projects. These investments are in line with policy recommendations EDF released earlier this year.