North Wake News

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management is inviting applications for the N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP). The program aims to help communities enhance their coastal resilience. Approximately $2 million is estimated for Phases 1 and 2, and about $6 million for Phases 3 and 4 in fiscal year 2025-2026. The deadline for applications from both communities and contractors is April 25, 2025, by 5 p.m.

An informational webinar on the application process will be held on March 21 from 2-3:30 p.m.

Applications are open to all county and municipal governments within the state’s 20 CAMA counties and qualified contractors. Eligible contractors include private planning and engineering firms, Councils of Government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions. These phases guide communities through assessing local risks, engaging stakeholders, and identifying projects to enhance resilience.

Additionally, DCM seeks applications from coastal communities to update local CAMA Land Use Plans while integrating Resilience Strategies developed through the RCCP. This ensures that resilience is incorporated into land use planning efforts.

Phase objectives include providing funding for engineering and design of prioritized projects identified through earlier phases. Projects may include site assessment or developing ordinances to enhance community resilience.

Phase 4 focuses on funding implementation of prioritized projects identified in previous phases or equivalent efforts. Grant funds can be used for projects enhancing resilience against coastal hazards like stormwater flooding or shoreline erosion.

The RCCP addresses barriers to coastal resilience at the local level by assisting with risk assessments, advancing projects to “shovel-ready” status, and linking communities to funding streams.

Questions regarding the program can be sent to RCCP@deq.nc.gov.