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North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety
Environmental Sustainability Report
Update - August 2001
Project 3
Project Title: Permanent Replacement Housing Program
Agency: Division of Emergency Management
Project Initiation & Projected Completion Dates: Pilot initiative began in the city of
Kinston in December of 1999, and replication of this pilot began in May of 2000 in the
town of Tarboro and will be ongoing as long as there is a demand for replacement
housing.
Contact(s):
Mark Munden, Permanent Replacement Housing Supervisor
(919) 715-8000 Ext. 249
Libby Smith (Haggerty), Executive Assistant to the Director
(919) 733-5338
Actions Necessary for Implementation: The Permanent Replacement Housing Program
combines federal, state and local government resources with private sector partnerships
and volunteerism to replace some of the estimated 11,000 homes eligible for buyout
under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). These homes were damaged due to extreme flooding during Hurricane Floyd. Although temporary housing helped
alleviate short-term needs, these displaced families are in need of permanent options,
because little replacement housing stock currently exists in most of the affected
communities. With representatives from other state agencies, nonprofit organizations,
universities, community colleges, private corporations and volunteers, a plan was drafted
that local governments could use to begin building affordable replacement housing. This
plan was tested in the city of Kinston. Wall panels are constructed by Department of
Correction inmates and delivered on-site for assembly by volunteers and honor grade
inmates. These 1,080 square foot, three bedroom, 1 1/2 bath homes are currently being
built at a cost of about $35,000 per home and can be completed in a few weeks. Nine
homes have been built in Kinston. In May 2000, construction began on three replacement houses in the town of Tarboro. Additional communities, including the towns
of Princeville and Grifton, are currently implementing this program as well. Twenty-five
homes have been completed in the town of Princeville. In the town of Grifton, construction of 56 homes is currently underway. Other communities, including the cities
of Greenville and Lumberton, are making preliminary preparations to begin this program.
Greenville hopes to build a total of 21 replacement houses in two of their new subdivision developments.
Anticipated Environmental Sustainability Benefits: Local governments are
encouraged to use in-fill lots with infrastructure already in place. This will minimize
sprawl and provide homes that are within walking distance of churches, stores and
schools. Hazard-resistant techniques developed by the Blue Sky Foundation of North
Carolina, including hurricane tie-downs and screwed-down roof systems, are incorporated to make the homes less vulnerable to high winds. These homes must also be
placed outside the 100-year floodplain and are being targeted for homeowners who
participate in the HMGP "buyout" program. The Division of Energy has recommended
various energy saving practices to better insulate these homes, which reduces overall
energy consumption. The Permanent Housing Replacement Program provides one cost
effective, hazard resistant, sustainable solution for eastern North Carolina's housing
needs.
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