The N.C. Office of Recovery Resiliency (NCORR) Regional Resilience Portfolio Program, in partnership with the Cape Fear Council of Governments, is requesting public feedback on the draft regional Climate Change and Natural Hazards Vulnerability Assessment, which will guide plans for building community resilience.
The draft regional vulnerability assessment describes the specific impacts of extreme weather events on housing, the environment, and the economy and will be used to create a portfolio of priority community resilience projects. The assessment includes details about the problems the Cape Fear region, which includes Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties, has experienced in the past and potential future risks due to climate change. These hazards include hurricanes, flooding, wind damage, extreme temperatures, drought, and wildfires.
Public input can help strengthen the draft vulnerability assessment, as residents may have insights about how to sharpen the findings and ensure they accurately reflect their community and region. The draft assessment and online public comment form can be found online.
Comments on the draft assessment may also be submitted by email by to resilience@ncdps.gov with the subject line Vulnerability Assessment. Comments must be submitted by Aug. 24.
In-person workshops to learn about the Cape Fear Regional Resilience Portfolio Project will be held at Leland Town Hall, located at 102 Town Hall Drive, on Sept. 13 from 10 to 11 a.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. The project serves to identify ways to help communities in the region prepare and recover from natural disasters and climate hazards. Workshop attendees will learn more about the project and be provided an opportunity to give feedback on potential regional projects to build resilience. Additional information on the project is available online. Register online to attend.
The Regional Resilience Portfolio Program is a component of the larger Regions Innovating for Strong Economies and Environment (RISE) Program. RISE is a partnership between NCORR and N.C. Rural Center, in collaboration with the N.C. Councils of Governments. The Regional Resilience Portfolio Program serves nine council of governments regions. A list of counties for each region can be found on the RISE website.
RISE is funded by a $1.1 million U.S. Economic Development Administration grant, with additional support from the N.C. Rural Center and the state’s HUD Community Development Block Grant—Mitigation grant. The Duke Energy Foundation has committed $600,000 to offer Accelerator Grants to the regions for priority projects identified as an outcome of the program. RISE is managed by NCORR, a division of the N.C. Department of Public Safety.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Town of Leland news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.