PROGRESS REVIEW OF 1999 SUSTAINABILITY PLANS

Project 2

Project Title:Acquisition of Flood-Prone Properties

Agency: Division of Emergency Management

Projected Implementation & Completion Dates: Ongoing-estimated to take approximately three years.

Contact:

Gavin Smith, Assistant Director,
Hazard Mitigation Section,
(919)715-9196

Project Description:The Division of Emergency Management is currently administering grants that will result in the acquisition of over 5,750 flood-prone homes and vacant lots in the floodplains of approximately 75 communities and Counties across the State. This action, known in the Emergency Management field as Hazard Mitigation, is defined as a “sustained action that reduces or eliminates long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards and their effects.” Through the application of hazard mitigation practices, such as the acquisition of flood-prone properties, we can ensure that fewer citizens and communities become victims of natural disasters. In North Carolina, this effort involves acquiring the at-risk structure, and either relocating the structure outside of the floodplain or demolishing the home. In both cases, the land must be maintained as open space in perpetuity. The Division is also developing a plan to deconstruct or recycle as much of those homes slated for demolition as possible. In addition, the Division will require that all communities receiving Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds will be required to develop a hazard mitigation plan.

Anticipated Environmental Sustainability Benefits: The practice of Hazard Mitigation is a key component of comprehensive environmental planning and sustainable development. Many areas subject to the impacts of natural hazards are also environmentally sensitive areas. Examples include, but are not limited to : riverine corridors, barrier islands, wetlands, and floodplains. While hazard mitigation’s most obvious role is the reduction of future risk, the Division’s buyout efforts have significant environmental, economic, and social impacts as well. All property purchased will be converted to open space and will be allowed to revert back to its natural state, maintained as greenway, or a park. Flood-prone properties purchased using this program may not be built upon in the future. This action improves riverine water quality through the reduction of non-point source pollution and sedimentation, while providing improved recreational opportunities, thereby improving the community’s overall quality of life. Greenways can also enhance adjacent property values and improve the attractiveness of the community to business and industry. In addition, it can be used as a tool to reduce sprawl into environmentally sensitive areas.

Figure 1: In 1999 the Division of Emergency Management set a goal to acquire approximately 1,125 flood-prone homes and vacant lots in the floodplains of 30 communities and counties across the State. As of April 2000, the Division completed approximately 45 percent of the goal set in 1999.

Figure 2: In September 1999, one-third of North Carolina suffered from a natural disaster unlike anything ever seen in the state.The record-high floodwaters of Hurricane Floyd, affecting 19,000 square miles of the state forcedapproximately 30,000 of people from their homes.As of April 2000, approximately 4,600 property owners located in the flood hazard areas and flooded during the Hurricane Floyd applied for buyout funding. The Division will purchase those properties upon the approval of the funds.In addition, the Division of Emergency Management continues to acquire flood-prone homes and vacant lots in the floodplains of 30 communities following Hurricane Fran.