DEQ seeks public input on Neuse River flood resilience strategy
RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is seeking public input on a draft flood resilience strategy for the Neuse River Basin, a planning effort that could shape future flood mitigation investments across eastern and central North Carolina.
DEQ’s Flood Resiliency Blueprint program will hold a virtual public information session at 6 p.m. June 11 to provide information and gather feedback on the draft Neuse River Basin Action Strategy. Public comments will be accepted through June 12.
The Neuse River Basin Action Strategy is described by DEQ as a strategic flood resilience plan tailored to the river basin’s specific needs. The department said the strategy outlines steps intended to enhance flood resilience, using scientific data, local priorities and long-term sustainability objectives.
The strategy was developed using data from the Flood Resiliency Blueprint Tool and input from local Blueprint partners and the Neuse River Basin Advisory Group.
The Neuse River Basin includes communities where flooding has long affected roads, homes, farms, businesses, public infrastructure and emergency response. The planning process is especially relevant for eastern North Carolina, where repeated flooding has raised questions about stormwater systems, buyouts, drainage, development patterns and infrastructure resilience.
The Flood Resiliency Blueprint program was directed by the General Assembly in 2021 and is intended to serve as the backbone of statewide flood resilience planning. DEQ said the Blueprint is the largest proactive statewide flood mitigation investment in North Carolina history.
According to DEQ, the program is designed to help local governments, state agencies and partner organizations use data, tools and planning processes to understand flood risk, identify community needs and guide investments. The Blueprint is currently funded and authorized to work in six of North Carolina’s 17 river basins.
DEQ said it has awarded funding to 84 Blueprint projects in six river basins, totaling more than $43 million.
Members of the public may submit feedback through DEQ’s public feedback form or by emailing the Blueprint program with “Neuse RBAS Feedback” in the subject line. Comments and questions may also be submitted during the June 11 virtual session.
Editor’s note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.
