Carolina Beach encourages community involvement in flood mitigation planning
CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Carolina Beach is reaffirming its commitment to long-term flood mitigation and improvements to stormwater infrastructure while encouraging residents to participate in future planning.
The Carolina Beach Town Council has accepted Resolution No. 26-2359, which reaffirms the town’s commitment to maintaining, evaluating and improving stormwater infrastructure and flood mitigation measures throughout the community.
The resolution also recognizes residents and community organizations, including the Northend Flood Mitigation Alliance, as stakeholders in identifying flooding concerns, sharing local knowledge and participating in the public process.
“Flood mitigation is a long-term community issue that requires planning, investment, and cooperation,” NFMA Board Member Greg Higgins said. “NFMA appreciates the Town Council’s recognition of the role residents and community organizations can play in bringing local knowledge and community priorities to the table.”
The resolution encourages community organizations to provide observations, recommendations and other information through established public processes.
It also identifies several ways those organizations could support town flood mitigation initiatives, including public education, community outreach, fundraising, grant advocacy, volunteer efforts and donations of resources, subject to town review and direction.
NFMA says it wants to move the community’s discussion about flooding from individual problems and short-term responses toward a coordinated, long-term infrastructure improvement plan.
“The goal is to create a process where the Town and the community can work together to identify needs, establish priorities, pursue funding opportunities, and develop practical solutions,” NFMA President Stephen Taylor said.
The organization says a comprehensive capital improvement plan could help the town evaluate potential projects, determine costs and possible funding sources, establish priorities and develop implementation schedules.
NFMA is also encouraging residents to participate in the town’s public processes and share information about recurring flooding and drainage concerns.
The Northend Flood Mitigation Alliance is a nonprofit community organization focused on reducing the environmental and economic impacts and frequency of tidal flooding in the north end of Carolina Beach.
