Subtask_4.5_Draft NorthCarolinaFloodResiliencyBlueprint 3_1_2024

Draft North Carolina Flood
Resiliency Blueprint

March 1, 2024

Draft North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint
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This document serves as the Draft North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint, representing the most
significant statewide flood resiliency investment in North Carolina’s history. The Blueprint is
designed to bring together all flood-related resources and knowledge in the state into one unified
platform. It will offer decision-makers at all levels a standardized methodology for flood planning,
an online decision-support tool, and river basin-specific action strategies to address flooding in
North Carolina communities. It will also allow the state to make targeted decisions about where to
allocate resources for the most significant impact. The Blueprint will continue to be refined based
on further stakeholder and community engagement, the pilot Neuse River Basin Flood Resiliency
Action Strategy, the development and implementation of the Flood Resiliency Blueprint Tool, and
on-the-ground project implementation.

The primary audiences for the Draft North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint are intended to include
the North Carolina General Assembly, state agencies, regional planning organizations, local
governments, community leaders, academics, and other stakeholders interested in building flood
resilience in the state of North Carolina.
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Table of Contents
Definitions ...................................................................................................................... iv
Common Acronyms .......................................................................................................... v
Executive Summary .......................................................................................................... 1
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 9
1.1 Purpose of this Blueprint Document ........................................................................................ 12
1.1.1 Summary of Blueprint Phases ................................................................................... 12
1.2 Summary of Research ............................................................................................................... 14
1.2.1 Outreach and Engagement ....................................................................................... 14
1.2.2 Literature Review ....................................................................................................... 15
1.2.3 Data Collection and Synthesis .................................................................................. 15
1.2.4 Gap Analysis ............................................................................................................... 16
1.2.5 List of Phase I Blueprint Reports ............................................................................... 17
2 River Basin Action Strategy Development Process ..................................................... 21
2.1 Flood Resiliency Blueprint Tool ................................................................................................ 22
2.2 Blueprint Planning Workflow Overview ................................................................................... 22
2.2.1 Workflow Step 1: Actionable Data Collection, Modeling, and Analysis ................... 25
2.2.2 Workflow Step 2: Initiate Community Engagement and Discovery ......................... 27
2.2.3 Workflow Step 3: Flood Risk Planning and Analysis ................................................. 28
2.2.4 Workflow Step 4: Resiliency Action Review and Adjustment ................................... 30
2.2.5 Workflow Step 5: Basin-Wide Action Analysis and Ranking ..................................... 31
2.2.6 Workflow Step 6: Flood Resiliency River Basin Action Strategy .............................. 32
2.2.7 Workflow Step 7: Resiliency Action Implementation ............................................... 33
2.2.8 Workflow Step 8: Program and Project Accountability ............................................ 34
2.3 Blueprint Roles Framework ...................................................................................................... 35
3 Case Study ................................................................................................................ 36
3.1 Blueprint Use Case Profiles ....................................................................................................... 36
3.1.1 Town A........................................................................................................................ 36
3.1.2 Town B ....................................................................................................................... 36
3.2 Blueprint Use Case Study Steps ............................................................................................... 37
4 Blueprint Recommendations ..................................................................................... 40
4.1 Program Development .............................................................................................................. 42
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4.1.1 Integrate Other Flood Resiliency Strategies into the Blueprint’s Planning
Process and the Blueprint Tool ................................................................................. 42
4.1.2 Create and Administer Stakeholder Engagement Programming ............................ 43
4.1.3 Build the Blueprint’s Staffing Capacity ..................................................................... 44
4.1.4 Integrate Lessons Learned from Peer State Programs into the Blueprint .............. 46
4.1.5 Evaluate Options for a Blueprint Oversight Group ................................................... 46
4.1.6 Create a Nature-Based Solutions Policy Digest ........................................................ 47
4.2 Tool Development ..................................................................................................................... 48
4.2.1 Implement Lessons Learned from Existing Online Flood Mitigation Decision-
Support Tools ............................................................................................................ 48
4.2.2 Use the Best Available Data for the Flood Resiliency Blueprint Tool and
Planning Process ....................................................................................................... 49
4.2.3 Use Advanced Technologies Where Appropriate ..................................................... 50
4.2.4 Update Statewide Datasets Relevant to the Blueprint ............................................ 51
4.3 Characterizing Flooding ............................................................................................................ 53
4.3.1 Partner with NCEM and NCDOT to Conduct 2-D Future Conditions Flood
Modeling .................................................................................................................... 54
4.3.2 Use a Two-Tiered Approach to Flood Modeling ....................................................... 59
4.3.3 Study the Benefits of Natural Assets for Flood Reduction, Flood Storage, and
Flood Dispersion ........................................................................................................ 60
4.4 Workflow Implementation & River Basin Strategy Development ........................................... 61
4.4.1 Implement a 5-Year Cycle for Action Strategies ....................................................... 61
4.4.2 Develop and Implement a Data Quality Review Process ......................................... 62
4.4.3 Update Tool with Resiliency Action Plan Project Information Annually ................. 62
4.4.4 Create River Basin Advisory Groups for Each River Basin ........................................ 63
4.4.5 Conduct Basin-Specific Financial and Technical Capacity Needs
Assessments............................................................................................................... 64
4.4.6 Provide Support to Under-Resourced Communities Throughout the
Implementation of the Blueprint .............................................................................. 65
4.5 Project Ranking ......................................................................................................................... 65
4.5.1 Develop a Dynamic Resiliency Project Ranking Methodology ................................. 66
4.5.2 Incorporate Local Priorities into Project Ranking .................................................... 68
4.6 Financing and Funding ............................................................................................................. 68
4.6.1 Integrate Identified Funding Sources ....................................................................... 69
4.6.2 Develop a Compensation Program for the Agricultural Community Based on
the Use of Farmland for Flood Storage and Reduction ............................................ 71
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4.6.3 Implement Multiple Finance and Organizational Approaches to Address
Local Stormwater Programs ..................................................................................... 72
4.6.4 Provide Grant Opportunities to Establish Stormwater Programs ........................... 73
4.6.5 Incentivize Multipurpose and Multi-benefit Solutions ............................................. 74
4.6.6 Coordinate State-Funded Projects Through the Flood Resiliency Blueprint .......... 75
4.7 Pilot Project Implementation ................................................................................................... 75
5 Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 77
6 Acknowledgments .................................................................................................... 78
7 Appendices .................................................................................................................. I
7.1 Appendix A: Definitions Glossary ................................................................................................. I
7.2 Appendix B: Summary of Research ........................................................................................... VI
7.3 Appendix C: Stakeholder Engagement Meetings ...................................................................... IX
7.4 Appendix D: River Basin Flood Resiliency Strategies Procedures Manual – Forthcoming ....... X

Figures
Figure 1-1. Flood Resilience ......................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 1-2. North Carolina Major River Basins by Order of Inclusion in Blueprint ................................... 12
Figure 1-3. Blueprint Phases ...................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 2-1: Blueprint Planning Workflow .................................................................................................. 24
Figure 4-1: Advisory Mapping Compared with Regulatory Mapping from in NCFMP's Advisory 2-D
Flood Viewer ........................................................................................................................... 54
Figure 4-2: HUC-10 Basin Scale Shown Above in Green ............................................................................ 56
Figure 4-3: Average Study Age of North Carolina’s River Basins .............................................................. 57
Figure 4-4: Example Decision Support Framework................................................................................... 66
Figure 4-5: Four Key Steps of the Decision-Support Framework ............................................................. 67

Tables
Table 1-1: Outreach and Engagement Conducted .................................................................................... 14
Table 1-2: Literature Review Conducted ................................................................................................... 15
Table 1-3: Data Collection and Synthesis Conducted ............................................................................... 15
Table 1-4: Gap Analysis Conducted ........................................................................................................... 16
Table 4-1. Summary Crosswalk of Recommendations with Approximate Timeline ............................... 40
Table 4-2: State Datasets Recommended for Development or Update ................................................... 51
Table 4-3: Planning Level Cost for 2-D Modeling Development ............................................................... 58
Table 4-4: Examples of Federal Funding Sources that Will Be Tracked Through the Funding Tool ....... 69

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Definitions
A comprehensive list of definitions applicable to the North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint is
provided in Appendix A: Definitions Glossary.

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Common Acronyms
1-D One Dimensional
2-D Two Dimensional
3-D Three Dimensional
AI Artificial Intelligence
CDC Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention
COG Council of Government
DOI Department of Insurance
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FEMA Federal Emergency Management
Agency
GICC Geographic Information
Coordinating Council
GIS Geographic Information System
H&H Hydrologic and Hydraulic
HEC-RAS Hydrologic Engineering Center-
River Analysis System
HUC Hydrologic Unit Code
IT Information Technology
LASII Local Assistance for Stormwater
Infrastructure Investments
Lidar Light Detecting and Ranging
ML Machine Learning
NBS Nature-Based Solutions
NC North Carolina
NCDEQ North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality
NCDOT North Carolina Department of
Transportation
NCEM North Carolina Emergency
Management
NCFMP North Carolina Floodplain Mapping
Program
NCORR North Carolina Office of Recovery
and Resiliency
PAG Principal Advisory Group
PFRA Probabilistic Flood Risk Analysis
QA/QC Quality Assurance/Quality Control
RISE Regions Innovating for Strong
Economies and Environment
ROI Return on Investment
SVI Social Vulnerability Index
TAG Technical Advisory Group
US United States
USACE US Army Corps of Engineers
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Executive Summary
Introduction
The North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint is a first-of-its-kind program in the country and
represents North Carolina's largest statewide flood mitigation investment. It is designed to bring
together and build upon all the relevant existing resources and knowledge in the state to create one
unified initiative to realize a more resilient North Carolina. The vision for this effort was developed
through state legislation and extensive communication with state agencies, other states involved in
robust flood mitigation and resiliency, communities on the frontlines of flood events, academics,
nonprofits, climate and flood resiliency experts, legislators, and other stakeholders.
The Blueprint provides a statewide flood planning framework and decision-support tool that enables
state, tribal, regional, and local entities and their stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and direct
resources to implement effective flood resilience strategies based on the best available science and
understanding of likely future conditions. The Blueprint serves as the backbone of North Carolina’s
flood planning process and will help increase community resiliency to flooding. By investing in a more
flood-resilient state now, North Carolina will protect and improve the lives and livelihoods of North
Carolinians, secure and build upon its thriving economy, expand tourism, support agriculture,
forestry, and other working land businesses, fortify transportation infrastructure, protect critical
aspects of the military mission, and steward natural resources.
Within the last ten years, major hurricanes, tropical storms, and other severe rain events have
highlighted a flood-risk crisis that threatens North Carolina’s communities, businesses, and people.
Since 1977, North Carolina has received federal aid
for 29 major flooding events. Hurricanes Matthew
and Florence in 2016 and 2018 caused $27 billion in
damage and resulted in 76 storm-related fatalities
across the state. As of April 2020, the state and
federal governments have spent over $3.5 billion as
a result of these two storms alone, and recovery
needs continue to exist for communities.1 The
current flood risk experienced by communities is
expected to be heightened as storm events and
rainfall increase in frequency and intensity and the
state’s population continues to grow, highlighting
the need for enhanced community flood resilience
(ES-Figure 1).
Many jurisdictions face challenges related to
current levels of flooding, even as the state
continues to grow, attracting new businesses and

1 “HUD Approves NC Plan for Spending Hurricane Florence Recovery Funds,” NC Department of Public Safety, April 30, 2020,
https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2020/04/30/hud-approves-nc-plan-spending-hurricane-florence-recovery-
funds-0.
ES-Figure 1. Flood Resilience
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residents. While North Carolina’s growing economy and population are an overall positive trend for
many communities, this growth is often accompanied by an increase in the amount of impervious
surface area that reduces the ground’s ability to absorb rainwater, increasing water flow into rivers,
and worsening local and downstream flooding. The state’s growth has also led to structures and
infrastructure being built within areas that are beginning to experience flooding beyond historical
patterns or that may be susceptible to flooding in the future.
In highlighting the current flood risk that threatens North
Carolina, it is important to consider the role of a changing
climate, including increases in rainfall and sea level rise, and
its potential to worsen the crisis. North Carolina is expected to
experience further amplification of flood risk, partly
attributed to rising precipitation levels and heightened
flooding intensity (see ES-Figure 2).2 While all North
Carolinians will experience these effects in the future,
resource-limited communities are disproportionately located
in flood-prone areas, meaning these communities may bear a
greater share of the increased flood risk.3
To better equip the state and its communities to manage
current and future flood risk, the North Carolina General
Assembly passed Section 5.9(c) of Session Law 2021-180 in
2021, which directed the North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to develop a Flood Resiliency
Blueprint (Blueprint).4 The General Assembly provided
additional guidance on the Blueprint’s development in 2022
in Section 22 of Session Law 2022-75.5
The Blueprint planning framework and the decision-support
tool are not envisioned as a static set of plans or tools but
rather as a dynamic process incorporating new information as
it becomes available. The effort will provide multi-scale flood
modeling for future conditions, scenario exploration systems,
guidance documents, and an iterative and interactive online
planning tool to increase decision-makers’ ability to
understand flood risk and prioritize and implement flood
resilience actions to protect communities, economies, and the environment. It will help to link and
build on existing data, strategies, projects, plans, and efforts underway by local, state, and federal
entities, academia, businesses, and nonprofits, as well as capitalize on lessons learned from existing
programs in peer states.

2 “North Carolina Climate Science Report,” North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, June 2020,
https://ncics.org/programs/nccsr/.
3 Alireza Ermagun, Virginia Smith, and Fatemeh Janatabadi, “High Urban Flood Risk and No Shelter Access Disproportionally
Impacts Vulnerable Communities in the USA,” Communications Earth & Environment 5, no. 1 (January 2, 2024),
https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-01165-x.
4 2021 Appropriations Act, SL 2021-180, https://ncfloodblueprint.com/documents/SL2021-180.pdf.
5 Regulatory Reform Act of 2022, SL 2022-75, https://ncfloodblueprint.com/documents/SL2022-75.pdf.
ES-Figure 2. Changes in Precipitation
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The Blueprint's unique nature and scope require its development to emphasize an adaptive learning
and management approach that encourages flexibility to continuously leverage the expertise of
relevant stakeholders, incorporate existing and ongoing flood resiliency efforts, and take advantage of
technological advancements as they mature. Moreover, the Blueprint aims to identify and address
gaps in ongoing flood resiliency efforts in the state, foster regional collaboration, and strengthen local
programs by incorporating community and stakeholder knowledge as a primary foundation for its
efforts.
The development of the Blueprint has been divided into phases. Phase I - Develop the Draft Blueprint
began in late 2022 and included a focus on generating over two dozen documents and reports based
on extensive research covering diverse topics related to flood resiliency and the successful
development and implementation of the Blueprint. This foundational research and gap analysis,
along with extensive stakeholder engagement, enabled the development of the Draft North Carolina
Flood Resiliency Blueprint, a preliminary Draft Neuse River Basin Flood Resiliency Action Strategy
(Neuse Action Strategy), and requirements for a Flood Resiliency Blueprint Tool (Blueprint Tool).
As their titles suggest and as directed by the General Assembly, the Preliminary Draft Neuse River
Basin Action Strategy and the Draft North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint are subject to change
based on continuous engagement and feedback from stakeholders as well as new and refined key
findings and recommendations that arise during Phase II of the Blueprint.
Phase II - Develop the Flood Resiliency Blueprint Tool launched in late 2023 to focus on developing the
Blueprint Tool and refining the Draft Blueprint and Preliminary Draft Neuse Action Strategy. Local
decision-makers and residents will have the opportunity to participate in several workshops in the
Neuse River Basin to review and provide feedback on the preliminary draft action strategy. Further
stakeholder engagement will be conducted to inform the development of the Blueprint Tool. Phase III
- Apply to Targeted Basins Statewide is projected to begin in the spring of 2024 and will involve
NCDEQ and coordinating stakeholders strategically implementing the Blueprint’s planning framework
and the Blueprint Tool across additional targeted river basins to develop River Basin Action Strategies
(ES-Figure 3).

ES-Figure 3. North Carolina Major River Basins by Order of Inclusion in Blueprint
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In addition to the Blueprint’s initial funding, which is being used to develop the Blueprint and priority
River Basin Action Strategies, the General Assembly appropriated $96 million for the implementation
of flood resiliency projects. Session Law 2021-180 authorized, set the requirements, and allocated the
funds to NCDEQ, while Session Law 2022-43 amended the requirements. NCDEQ is developing the
spending strategy for these funds and will implement on-the-ground projects in parallel to the
continued development of the tool and action strategies.
As Phase I ends, stakeholder engagement will continue to play a critical role in the Blueprint’s
development process. From the beginning, it was recognized that input from external stakeholders
would be critical to the success of the Blueprint (ES-Figure 4). Every step of the development process
included feedback and collaboration from a diverse set of stakeholders. NCDEQ took the proactive
step of involving outside entities in crafting a work plan for Phase I. The work plan was informed by
several one-on-one meetings and workshops that brought together NCDEQ staff, flood resiliency
experts, key stakeholders, and potential Blueprint end-users from various sectors. These included
other state agencies, academic institutions, local government representatives, and nonprofits.
At the outset of Phase I, NCDEQ engaged more than 150 subject matter experts and key stakeholders
to participate across six Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs), a Neuse Regional Advisory Group, and a
Principal Advisory Group (PAG). These groups served as the foundation for stakeholder involvement
by providing valuable input on each component of Phase I across seven rounds of TAG and Neuse
Regional Advisory Group meetings, as well as five PAG meetings. In addition, NCDEQ hosted 13 open
house-style public meetings and workshops with local and regional decision-makers.

ES-Figure 4. Blueprint's Phase I Stakeholder Engagement Design
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The stakeholder groups and NCDEQ worked together to create and review foundational documents
during Phase I that were divided into four tasks covering Stakeholder Outreach/Facilitation, Gap
Analysis, Recommendations, and Decision Framework, and the drafts of the North Carolina Flood
Resiliency Blueprint and Preliminary Draft Neuse River Basin Flood Resiliency Action Strategy.
With Phase I ending, Phase II already underway, and Phase III on the horizon, it is essential to take
stock of the progress made, the relationships built, and the next steps the Blueprint will take to realize
North Carolina’s vision and increase community resiliency to flooding.
Recommendations
No element of the Blueprint (e.g., documents, tool, program, staff) is intended to add any regulatory
steps or authorities. It is also not intended to replace or usurp any federal, state, or local plans,
projects, or authorities. The Blueprint is meant to link and enhance existing flood resilience efforts
and provide new tools for decision makers. Participation is completely voluntary.
The Draft North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint includes three primary sections: a River Basin
Action Strategy Development Process with a Planning Workflow, Case Studies, and Blueprint
Recommendations that directly apply to the program’s long-term vision for increasing statewide flood
resiliency. The Workflow is a multi-step process that the state and communities will be able to use to
develop and implement River Basin Action Strategies (ES-Figure 5). Case Studies are used to
demonstrate the Workflow implementation, highlighting the adaptability built into the Workflow that
assists the Blueprint in addressing the unique flooding challenges and distinct goals of each
participating community and region within a river basin. In addition, a set of recommendations for
Blueprint program implementation covering diverse topics is proposed, informed by the supporting
research and documentation from Phase I. These are intended to guide Blueprint development
through Phases II, III, and beyond, as well as guide flood resiliency project implementation and
support long-term program success. The Draft Blueprint and related documents provide a clear
direction for how the Blueprint can serve as the central platform for flood resiliency planning and
implementation at the state, regional, and local levels to achieve a more resilient North Carolina.
The Draft Blueprint includes guidelines to ensure consistent practices and procedures statewide yet
remains sufficiently flexible to account for different physiographic settings, development intensity,
regional differences, and other types of variability. The Workflow is designed as a recurring cycle for
each river basin, where each iterative planning cycle builds on the efforts of the previous planning
cycle. The Workflow is adaptable and considers future conditions during project planning,
implementation, and maintenance phases. The implementation of these projects is balanced
between shovel-ready projects and longer-term action.
Steps 1 through 6 of the Blueprint’s Workflow focus on flood risk and vulnerability assessments and
identifying potential flood resilience actions through collaboration between state agencies, regional
planning groups, and local communities. The Blueprint Tool supports the planning process
throughout the Workflow. These steps culminate in a River Basin Action Strategy with a ranked
collection of local and regional actions and potential funding sources. Action implementation
commences in Step 7 of the Workflow, overseen by NCDEQ in collaboration with a local, state, or
regional sponsor for on-the-ground execution of flood resiliency projects. Step 8, the final piece of the
Blueprint’s Workflow, ensures program and project accountability. Through the Blueprint Tool, users
can understand flood risk for a particular area and access and share information from a dashboard
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communicating metrics on spending, risk reduction, and milestone completion in a highly visual
format.

ES-Figure 5. North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint Workflow

This Workflow was designed to be a scalable framework for flood resiliency planning. While NCDEQ
intends to use this to develop River Basin Action Strategies for all basins in the state, the fundamental
steps can be utilized by decision-makers at all levels, even outside of NCDEQ’s process.
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The Blueprint draws upon a strong foundation of prior flood resiliency work in the state. Analysis
during Phase I revealed more than 50 flood resiliency or flood reduction plans and programs across
the state, in addition to federal efforts. NCDEQ developed the Blueprint Workflow to link, fill gaps, and
build upon the existing plans and programs rather than replace them. As noted earlier, the increase in
flood risk due to a variety of factors underscores the need for enhanced resiliency planning and
project implementation based on future conditions modeling — a task the Blueprint is designed to
accomplish.
Phase I of the Blueprint identified several gaps across North Carolina’s current flood resilience
planning, policy, and programming. The Draft Blueprint outlines recommendations to remedy these
gaps as well as recommending what actions the State should take to implement the Blueprint and
continuously improve it. Through a collaborative effort, TAG and PAG members, NCDEQ, and the
consultant team drafted recommendations to provide actionable steps to implement the program as
it moves into future phases of work. These recommendations span seven primary categories: Program
Development, Tool Development, Characterizing Flooding, Workflow Implementation and River Basin
Strategy Development, Project Ranking, Financing and Funding, and Pilot Project Implementation
(ES-Table 1).
The Draft North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint is the first significant step in achieving the
legislature's long-term vision for the Blueprint, which is stated as “…the backbone of a State flood
planning process that increases community resiliency to flooding, shall be a resource for riverine and
stream management to reduce flooding, and should support the establishment and furtherance of
local government stormwater maintenance programs” (S.L. 2021-180, Section 5.9(c)). The individual
communities that make up each of North Carolina’s 17 river basins have unique needs, a wealth of
expertise, and a desire to find solutions to the challenges of flooding. As the state grapples with the
impacts of future change and the likelihood of increased flooding, the Blueprint serves as a central
decision-support and implementation platform for numerous resiliency efforts and guides
stakeholders and communities toward more resilient futures. The Blueprint's tools and processes,
which let science drive flood mitigation decisions, will ultimately assist decision-makers in making
more informed choices for why, where, and how to deal with flooding in ways that support a more
resilient and vibrant state.
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ES-Table 1. Recommendations to Implement the North Carolina Flood Resiliency
Blueprint
Category Recommendation
Program
Development
• Integrate Other Flood Resiliency Strategies into the Blueprint’s Planning
Process and the Blueprint Tool
• Create and Administer Stakeholder Engagement Programming
• Build the Blueprint’s Staffing Capacity
• Integrate Lessons Learned from Peer State Programs into the Blueprint
• Evaluate Options for a Blueprint Oversight Group
• Create a Nature-Based Solutions Policy Digest
Tool Development
• Implement Lessons Learned from Existing Online Flood Mitigation
Decision-Support Tools
• Use the Best Available Data for the Flood Resiliency Blueprint Tool and
Planning Process
• Use Advanced Technologies Where Appropriate
• Update Statewide Datasets Relevant to the Blueprint
Characterizing
Flooding
• Partner with NCEM and NCDOT to Conduct 2-D Future Conditions Flood
Modeling
• Use a Two-Tiered Approach to Flood Modeling
• Study the Benefits of Natural Assets for Flood Reduction, Flood Storage,
and Flood Dispersion
Workflow
Implementation &
River Basin
Strategy
Development
• Implement a 5-Year Cycle for Action Strategies
• Develop and Implement a Data Quality Review Process
• Update Tool with Resiliency Action Plan Project Information Annually
• Create River Basin Advisory Groups for Each River Basin
• Conduct Basin-Specific Financial and Technical Capacity Needs
Assessments
• Provide Support to Under-Resourced Communities Throughout the
Implementation of the Blueprint
Project Ranking • Develop a Dynamic Resiliency Project Ranking Methodology
• Incorporate Local Priorities into Project Ranking
Financing and
Funding
• Integrate Identified Funding Sources
• Develop a Compensation Program for the Agricultural Community
Based on the Use of Farmland for Flood Storage and Reduction
• Implement Multiple Finance and Organizational Approaches to Address
Local Stormwater Programs
• Provide Grant Opportunities to Establish Stormwater Programs
• Incentivize Multipurpose and Multi-benefit Solutions
• Coordinate State-Funded Projects Through the Flood Resiliency
Blueprint
Pilot Project
Implementation

• Complete Implementation of Stoney Creek Pilot Projects
• Explore Agency Partnerships for Implementation
• Implement Pilot Flood Resiliency Projects from River Basin Action
Strategies
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1 Introduction
Many North Carolina communities have experienced catastrophic flooding events in recent years, with
some counties seeing multiple flooding disasters within the same year. Over the last ten years, major
hurricanes, tropical storms, and other severe rain events have highlighted a flood-risk crisis that
threatens North Carolina’s communities, businesses, and people. Between 1977 and 2023, North
Carolina received federal aid for 29 major flooding events. Hurricanes Matthew and Florence in 2016
and 2018 caused $27 billion in damage and resulted in 76 storm-related fatalities across the state. As
of April 2020, the state had spent over $3.5 billion as a result of these two storms alone, and
communities still face needs for recovery.6 The current flood risk experienced by communities is
expected to intensify as storm events and rainfall increase in frequency and intensity and the state’s
population keeps climbing— thereby highlighting the need for enhanced community flood resilience
(Figure 1-1).
North Carolina continues to grow, attracting businesses
and people looking to relocate or establish themselves in
a thriving state. The state’s population increased from
9,535,483 in 2010 to 10,439,388 in 2020, marking a 9.5
percent increase in the last decade, and is projected to
reach 11.6 million by 2030.7 While North Carolina’s
growing economy and population are an overall positive
trend for many communities, this growth is often
accompanied by an increase in the amount of impervious
surface area. Increasing impervious surface area reduces
the ground's ability to absorb rainwater, which in turn
decreases infiltration and can cause higher volumes and
speeds of water entering waterways, ultimately
exacerbating the frequency and severity of flooding. The
state’s growth has also led to structures and
infrastructure being built in areas that are beginning to
experience flooding beyond historical patterns. There has
also been increased construction in areas that may not
have historically experienced flooding, but where current
models project the risk of flooding will increase in coming years.
There are many types and sources of flooding that have negative impacts on human safety, homes
and businesses, rural lands, infrastructure, and the environment. These sources of flooding may occur
independently but often happen concurrently with each other. In addition to major riverine, coastal,
and flash flooding caused by extreme weather events, nuisance flooding is on the rise and disrupts the
day-to-day activities of North Carolinians. Nuisance flooding refers to lower levels of inundation that

6 “HUD Approves NC Plan for Spending Hurricane Florence Recovery Funds,” NC Department of Public Safety, April 30, 2020,
https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2020/04/30/hud-approves-nc-plan-spending-hurricane-florence-recovery-
funds-0.
7 “County/State Population Projections,” North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, December 15, 2023,
https://www.osbm.nc.gov/facts-figures/population-demographics/state-demographer/countystate-population-
projections.
Figure 1-1. Flood Resilience
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can occur more frequently in urban, suburban, and rural areas and poses additional costly challenges
to taxpayers and governments, as well as public safety risks. As recently as Fall 2023, many regions of
the state experienced severe drought followed by intensive rain and flash flooding that restricted road
access to neighborhoods and vital community services like hospitals, caused strain on transportation
infrastructure, and tested the limits of stormwater infrastructure.
In highlighting the current flood risk that threatens North Carolina, it is important to consider the role
of a changing climate, including increases in rainfall and sea level rise, and its potential to worsen the
crisis. Recent scientific analyses, including through the North Carolina Climate Risk Assessment,
observe that the state has witnessed an escalation in flooding occurrences. North Carolina is expected
to experience further amplification of flood risk, partly attributed to rising precipitation levels and
heightened flooding intensity, both inland and along the coast.8 While all North Carolinians will
experience these effects in the future, resource-limited communities are disproportionately located in
flood-prone areas, meaning these communities may bear a greater share of the increased flood risk.9
To better equip the state and its communities to manage current and future flood risk, the North
Carolina General Assembly passed Section 5.9(c) of Session Law 2021-180 in 2021, which directed the
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to develop a Flood Resiliency Blueprint
(Blueprint).10 The General Assembly provided additional guidance on the Blueprint’s development in
2022 in Section 22 of Session Law 2022-75.11
Session Law 2021-180 Section 5.9(c) lays out the General Assembly’s intentions for the Blueprint by
stating it should “identify the major watersheds affected by flooding and direct these funds toward
the activities which are central to the creation of an actionable blueprint, namely flood risk
assessment, identification of data gaps, and recommendations to reduce flood risk for each target
watershed.” The subsequent Session Law 2022-75 expands on this vision with the addition of several
key elements stating that the Blueprint should “(1) Set up a standardized method to create
requirements and guidelines for major flood risk modeling datasets with statewide application,
including the collection, updating, and storing of GIS data. (2) Develop consistent guidelines to ensure
common standard hydrology and hydraulic watershed models can be used for regional studies. (3)
Create and maintain a publicly accessible repository for data and modeling outputs and technical
reports to allow local government units and other organizations to access the information.”
Blueprint Purpose and Goals
The Blueprint is a statewide initiative designed to bring together and build upon all the relevant
existing resources and knowledge in the state to create one unified effort to increase community
resiliency to flooding. It includes a statewide flood planning framework and decision-support tool that
enables state, tribal, regional, and local entities and their stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and
direct resources to implement effective flood resiliency strategies based on the best available science
and understanding of likely future conditions. Through the development and implementation of river
basin specific flood resiliency strategies, the Blueprint serves as the backbone of North Carolina’s

8 “North Carolina Climate Science Report,” North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, June 2020,
https://ncics.org/programs/nccsr/.
9 Alireza Ermagun, Virginia Smith, and Fatemeh Janatabadi, “High Urban Flood Risk and No Shelter Access Disproportionally
Impacts Vulnerable Communities in the USA,” Communications Earth & Environment 5, no. 1 (January 2, 2024),
https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-01165-x.
10 2021 Appropriations Act, SL 2021-180, https://ncfloodblueprint.com/documents/SL2021-180.pdf.
11 Regulatory Reform Act of 2022, SL 2022-75, https://ncfloodblueprint.com/documents/SL2022-75.pdf.
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flood planning process. Intended stakeholders, participants, and end-users of the Blueprint include
technical and local experts; local, regional, tribal, and state decision-makers; and members of
communities affected by flooding.
The overarching goal of the Blueprint is to build a more resilient North Carolina by working together
and using a common platform. In addition, the desired outcomes are to:
• Reduce the frequency and severity of flooding events;
• Mitigate the impacts of flooding; and
• Enhance a community’s ability to maintain and quickly resume pre-storm activities following a
flooding event.
Additional features of a successful Blueprint are to maximize return on the state’s investment while
also seeking positive co-benefits across social, environmental, and economic dimensions. By
investing in a more flood-resilient state now, North Carolina will protect and improve the lives and
livelihoods of North Carolinians, secure and build upon its thriving economy, expand tourism, support
agriculture, forestry, and other working land businesses, fortify transportation infrastructure, protect
critical aspects of the military mission, and steward natural resources.
The Blueprint will provide a standardized, basin-wide flood resiliency approach applicable to all 17
North Carolina river basins (Figure 1-2). This process will better inform how and where resources
should be directed and will assist in identifying flood resiliency projects and strategies. The Blueprint
is not envisioned as a static tool or set of reports but rather as a dynamic process incorporating new
information as it becomes available. The Blueprint and its components will provide multi-scale
modeling, scenario exploration systems, guidance documents, and an interactive online decision-
support tool to increase decision-makers’ ability to identify, prioritize, and implement flood resilience
actions to protect communities and economies from flood damage and flood risk. It will help link and
build on existing data, strategies, projects, plans, and efforts underway by local, regional, tribal, state,
and federal entities, academia, businesses, and nonprofits, and will incorporate local knowledge. The
vision for this project was developed through the legislation and extensive communication with
interagency staff, other states involved in flood mitigation and resiliency, municipalities, communities
on the front line of flood events, academics, non-profits, climate and flood resiliency experts,
legislators, and other stakeholders.

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Figure 1-2. North Carolina Major River Basins by Order of Inclusion in Blueprint
1.1 Purpose of this Blueprint Document
This document serves as the programmatic and procedural framework to advance and
implement the North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint.
This draft Blueprint document provides a roadmap for the North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint
that ultimately helps inform decision-makers on where and how to invest in flood resiliency (e.g.,
structural, non-structural, nature-based, etc.), in what order to make investments, and what the
impact of those investments may be. It outlines the structure of the Blueprint and offers
recommendations on how to build out the program. These planning elements are captured within the
standardized methodology and basin-specific action strategies.
The Blueprint document and the River Basin Action Strategies will be enhanced by an online decision-
support tool (undergoing development in Phase II) that will provide the best available data, multi-
scale flood modeling, flood solution selection and scenario exploration capabilities, guidance
documents, and interactive online planning tools to increase decision-makers’ ability to identify,
prioritize, and implement flood resiliency actions. Accessibility is a primary focus of the Flood
Resiliency Blueprint Tool (Blueprint Tool). To ensure the Blueprint Tool works towards bridging
community resource gaps, the tool will incorporate local knowledge while developing additional
technical resources that build on existing data, strategies, projects, plans, and efforts underway by
state, federal, regional, and local governments, academia, businesses, and nonprofits.
No element of the Blueprint (e.g., documents, tool, program, staff) is intended to add any regulatory
steps or authorities. It is also not intended to replace or usurp any federal, state, or local plans,
projects, or authorities. The Blueprint is meant to link and enhance existing flood resilience efforts
and provide new tools for decision makers. Participation is completely voluntary.
1.1.1 Summary of Blueprint Phases
The Blueprint is being executed in multiple phases (Figure 1-3), as described below.
Flood Resiliency Blueprint Phase I: NCDEQ developed a broad-ranging participatory advisory
process to ensure that the agency received expert advice and recommendations from stakeholders
across the state, representing wide-ranging interests, during the development of the Blueprint.
NCDEQ recruited 120 subject matter experts for its six technical advisory groups (TAGs), 29 members
for the basin-specific Neuse Regional Advisory Group, and 30 members for the Principal Advisory
Group (PAG). The six technical advisory groups were divided by subject matter and included:
• Governance
• Partnership / Funding
• Hazard Identification
• Vulnerability / Risk / Impact
• Resilience / Mitigation / Reduction
• Tool Development / Acceptance

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Figure 1-3. Blueprint Phases
Key outcomes in Phase I were the requirements for developing the Blueprint Tool, the Preliminary
Draft Neuse River Basin Flood Resiliency Action Strategy (River Basin Action Strategy), and the Draft
Flood Resiliency Blueprint document. Development of these key elements were accomplished over
four primary tasks, which built on each other towards the key end products. The four tasks were as
follows:
Phase I – Task 1: Conduct outreach and engagement activities; inventory of existing data, plans,
programs, and efforts; and literature review. This task allowed the Blueprint team and TAGs/PAG to
incorporate statewide and Neuse River Basin-specific stakeholder priorities and previous research
and planning efforts into the Blueprint development process.
Phase I – Task 2: Develop a gap analysis based, in part, on the data and literature review from Task 1.
This task allowed the Blueprint team and TAGs/PAG to determine where the gaps were and what
could be improved upon from prior and current flood resiliency efforts at the statewide and Neuse
River Basin scales and where the Blueprint needs to enhance these efforts.
Phase I – Task 3: Develop recommendations based, in part, on data and literature review (Task 1) and
gap analysis (Task 2). These recommendations include online decision-support tool application
requirements and other planning and programmatic components. This task begins to develop the
foundations for a roadmap for the program development and implementation of the Blueprint.
Phase I – Task 4: Develop the Draft North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint and Draft Neuse River
Basin Flood Resiliency Action Strategy documents. The Draft Blueprint document combines all work
completed into one comprehensive set of recommendations. At the same time, the Draft Neuse River
Basin Action Strategy is a pilot of how the program may be applied in a specific region, along with
offering lessons learned that inform the final Blueprint.
Currently underway and remaining phases include:
Flood Resiliency Blueprint Phase II: Phase II consists of the development (i.e., writing, testing, and
deploying computer code) of the Blueprint Tool. Phase II is running concurrent with the latter portion
of Phase I. The initial version of the Blueprint Tool has an estimated completion date of late 2024.
Flood Resiliency Blueprint Phase III and Project Implementation: Phase III is the creation of River
Basin Action Strategies in additional targeted basins, including the application of the Blueprint Tool
developed in Phase II and this Draft Blueprint framework as developed in Phase I. The additional
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targeted river basins in North Carolina are the Cape Fear, Lumber12, Tar-Pamlico, White Oak, and
French Broad basins. Phase III is expected to begin in mid-2024. Further, the Neuse River Basin Action
Strategy will be refined in this phase. NCDEQ also expects to begin funding implementation before or
during this phase.
In addition to the Blueprint’s initial funding, which is being used to develop the Blueprint and priority
River Basin Action Strategies, the General Assembly appropriated $96 million for the implementation
of flood resiliency projects. Session Law 2021-180 authorized, set the requirements, and allocated the
funds to NCDEQ, while Session Law 2022-43 amended the requirements. NCDEQ is developing the
spending strategy for these funds and will implement on-the-ground projects in parallel to the
continued development of the Blueprint Tool and action strategies.
Additional Future Phases: Future phases of the Blueprint are expected to extend River Basin Action
Strategy development to the remaining basins in the state. Other work in future phases is expected to
include ongoing Blueprint Tool maintenance, program refinement, administration, further on-the-
ground project implementation, etc.
1.2 Summary of Research
The recommendations for the Blueprint were informed by nine months of comprehensive research
and analysis, community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and feedback provided by the Principal
and Technical Advisory Groups. The Blueprint team conducted extensive outreach and engagement
activities during the initial effort in Phase I. Next, the team conducted literature reviews and
landscape analyses of statewide and local datasets, planning efforts, research, and regional-scale
modeling related to flooding and flood resilience. With this information in hand, a comprehensive gap
analysis was conducted, and an initial set of recommendations were developed to determine how to
best to develop the Blueprint program and enhance resiliency across the state. The following tables
summarize the engagement and research conducted (see Table 1-1 through Table 1-4):
1.2.1 Outreach and Engagement
Table 1-1: Outreach and Engagement Conducted
Number Conducted Description
7 rounds of Technical
Advisory Group meetings
Seven rounds of meetings with over 120 Technical Advisory Group members were held for
each of the six TAG groups, divided by subject matter, and for the Neuse Regional Advisory
Group. Members were identified from those individuals who had worked on the work plan
and suggested for group membership by NCDEQ. The members were selected from state
agency staff, federal partners, local floodplain administrators and engineers, non-profit
organizations, business sector, and academic experts in climate, flooding, hazards, and
modeling.
5 Principal Advisory
Group meetings
Meetings with the 30 Principal Advisory Group members were held so that subject matter
experts from various sectors and state program representatives could provide advisory
input and feedback on the Blueprint Tool regarding the policy, process, engagement,

12 On September 21, 2017, the Lumbee Tribe approved the Joint Resolution Seeking the Renaming of the Lumbee River” for
the river to be designated the “Lumbee River” (CLLR-2017-0921-01, September 21, 2017)
https://www.lumbeetribe.com/_files/ugd/6ca8af_d6f8484f63b84a74929b8bf34cf6cfd0.pdf).
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Number Conducted Description
modeling, tools, and support for implementing the decision-support tool and the Blueprint
at large.
13 community meetings
Open house-style public meetings and workshops, including councils of government,
municipal and county leaders, private interest groups, non-governmental entities, tribal
representatives, and representatives of under-resourced and underserved populations,
including populations protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Note: 10 meetings have
occurred with three Neuse Regional Advisory Group workshops planned for Spring 2024.
30+ presentations Information meetings or speaking engagements open to the public, such as conferences and
information coordination meetings.

1.2.2 Literature Review
The literature resources reviewed met three inclusion criteria: having a statewide geographic or Neuse
River Basin-specific scope, being credible material vetted by state agencies and/or subject matter
experts and being the latest version of the document (see Table 1-2). In addition, peer state programs
were reviewed as directed by the legislation.
The comprehensive literature review comprises several reports, including Literature Review and Data
Collection Inventory (Subtask 1.1), Peer State Flood Resiliency Programs (Subtask 1.5), Statewide
Planning Efforts with Flood Resilience Recommendations (Subtask 1.7), and Neuse River Basin Literature
Review Expansion (Subtask 2.3).
Table 1-2: Literature Review Conducted
Sources Reviewed Description
48 Plans Review of North Carolina flood resiliency or reduction plans and strategies
14 Reports Review of North Carolina technical reports and memos related to flood risk reduction and
prevention
Multiple Policies
Review of state laws and policies related to flood control, prevention, and resiliency,
including North Carolina Executive Orders 80 and 246, as well as the North Carolina
Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Resilience Policy, among others
10 Studies Review of research projects and studies on flooding in NC
6 Programs Review of existing North Carolina flood resilience programs
1.2.3 Data Collection and Synthesis
Table 1-3: Data Collection and Synthesis Conducted
Sources Reviewed Description
8 Data Tools Performed an analysis of web-based data tools that assist users in accessing,
interpreting, and visualizing datasets related to flood resiliency
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Sources Reviewed Description
6 Peer State Programs Reviewed programs and governance schemes from five peer states
(Louisiana, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Texas – two programs, and
Virginia) with examples of how datasets, models, and platforms are being
used for decision-making and the levels at which governance decisions are
made
22 Online Funding Navigator Tools
69 Funding Vehicles
16 Technical Assistance Mechanisms
3 Creative Strategy Case Studies
Performed an analysis of related tools and funding vehicles for flood risk
project funding
36 Flood Mitigation Strategies Performed a landscape analysis of existing strategies for mitigating and
reducing flood risk and protecting the environment, formatted into a toolkit
for easy reference
31 Potential Restrictions to
Implementation
Identified existing federal, tribal, and state restrictions that impact the
ability of state and local governments to implement flood resilience
strategies. These range from funding requirements to government
interdependencies and permitting requirements
12 Existing Recommendations Identified specific recommendations from existing statewide planning
efforts, as identified in the Literature Review, which correspond with flood
resilience strategies with the most effective connection to the Blueprint
3 Online Mitigation Decision-Making
Support Tools
Identified and evaluated three existing online flood mitigation decision-
support tools. The analysis included pros, cons, and recommended changes
for incorporation into the Blueprint
8 AI/ML Methods Identified artificial intelligence/machine learning tools that can be used or
developed to improve the Blueprint
7 Under-resourced Communities
Identified for Neuse River Basin Action
Strategy
Identified vulnerable, underserved, and under-resourced communities in the
Neuse River Basin using 3 datasets
1.2.4 Gap Analysis
Table 1-4: Gap Analysis Conducted
Sources Reviewed and Identified for
Inclusion Description
128 Sources of Data Identified and evaluated datasets within North Carolina that could be available
for use in projects performed as part of the Blueprint
21 Modeling Datasets Identified and evaluated riverine hydrologic and hydraulic modeling within
North Carolina that could be available for use in projects performed as part of
the Blueprint
10 Future Flood Hazard Datasets Identified scientifically defensible data necessary to analyze future flood
hazards: future land use, climate, etc.
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Sources Reviewed and Identified for
Inclusion Description
10 Research and Planning Nature-
Based Solutions (NBS) Initiatives
7 Federal NBS Datasets
13 State NBS Datasets
4 State NBS Policies
6 Federal NBS Policies
Assessed existing datasets and methods for identifying natural infrastructure
and estimating their functions

The research outlined above informed seven recommendation reports on the Flood Resiliency
Blueprint Tool development, incorporation of local priorities into the Blueprint, North Carolina
hydrological and hydraulic modeling, standardization of datasets, use of artificial intelligence and
machine learning (AI/ML), staffing, program development, and local stormwater management. The
recommendations are synthesized and summarized in the Draft Blueprint herein. The full list of Phase
I reports is provided below.
1.2.5 List of Phase I Blueprint Reports
Table 1-5: Phase I Blueprint Reports
Subtask Report Title Description
1.1 Literature Review and Data
Collection Inventory
The purpose of this document is to conduct a thorough literature review and
data collection inventory of existing data, planning efforts, research projects,
studies, and regional scale modeling that have been developed to provide a
basis for understanding, to build upon existing efforts, and to help meet the
intent of the Blueprint.
1.3 Outreach and Engagement
Plan for the North Carolina
Flood Resiliency Blueprint
As part of the Blueprint, NCDEQ developed an Outreach and Engagement
Plan to coordinate stakeholder engagement in accordance with the overall
NCDEQ Public Participation Plan. The PAG and TAGs will be engaged
throughout the contract period to ensure successful development of the
Blueprint.
1.4 Catalogue of Government
and Organization Watershed
Planning Efforts in the Neuse
River Basin
This document is a catalogue of local, regional, and state organizations
engaged in watershed planning or resiliency efforts in the pilot river basin.
This document includes the mission, history, level of engagement, area of
expertise, capacity to engage in flood resilience planning and
implementation through providing local input, and other information that
will inform the Blueprint team on how to complement existing efforts and
skills.
1.5 Peer State Flood Resiliency
Programs
This document aims to review governance schemes from a minimum of five
peer states and provide examples of how datasets, models, and platforms
are being used for decision making and the levels at which governance
decisions are made (e.g., regional, local, state).
1.7 Review of Statewide
Planning Efforts with Flood
Resilience
Recommendations
The purpose of this review is to document identified specific
recommendations from existing statewide planning efforts that correspond
with flood resilience strategies, and to provide an understanding of
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Subtask Report Title Description
completed and ongoing statewide efforts related to watershed and resiliency
planning.
1.10 Blueprint Recommendation
Process
The purpose of this document is to propose and refine a process for the
Blueprint Advisory Groups to provide recommendations to NCDEQ to build
alignment and establish how final decisions are made, specifically targeting
the process to deal with differing perspectives. The recommendation
document is considered a supplement to the Outreach and Engagement Plan
(Subtask 1.3) for the Blueprint and can be more efficiently used in
combination with that plan.
2.1 Flood Risk Resiliency Types
and Sources of Flooding
Inventory Gap Analysis
The purpose of this document is to identify and evaluate datasets in North
Carolina that could be available for use in projects performed as part of the
Blueprint. These datasets contain the critical components of a successful
flood resiliency effort such as probability of hazard occurrence, risk
assessments, estimated damages enabling the evaluation of the
effectiveness of mitigation, and resiliency projects.
2.3 Neuse River Basin Literature
Review Expansion
The purpose of this document is to expand the previous literature review to
document the most current plans, reports, and documents that identify
current flood resiliency efforts and sources of flooding within the Neuse River
Basin. This includes existing local/regional/state resilience efforts, policy,
and plans.
2.4 Hydrologic and Hydraulic
Modeling Gap Analysis
The intent of this document is to identify and evaluate H&H modeling within
North Carolina that could be available for use in projects performed as part
of the Blueprint. Specifically, this document is intended to provide a Gap
Analysis for H&H modeling available within the state, including those
developed as part of resiliency assessments.
2.5 Future Flood Hazards Gap
Analysis
The purpose of this document is to identify scientifically defensible data
necessary to analyze future flood hazards: future land use, climate, etc.
2.6 Flood Risk Reduction Project
Funding Analysis
The purpose of this document is to list federal, state, local, and private
funding sources for flood risk resiliency projects to be used for planning and
implementation. This includes the amount, frequency of availability, and
limiting factors that may determine which solutions are applicable to grant
options.
2.7 Existing Inventory of Toolkit
Flood Resilience Strategies
This report provides inventory and evaluation of existing flood resilience and
mitigation strategies for development of the Blueprint. The following
strategies were considered: Infrastructure-Based Solutions, Nature-Based
Solutions, Planning and Policy, and Programmatic Best Management
Practices.
2.8 Nature-Based Solutions Gap
Analysis
The purpose of this document is to identify and evaluate existing datasets for
all or portions of North Carolina that are available to identify potential
projects to reduce the effects of flooding using nature-based solutions as
part of the Blueprint. Specifically, this document is intended to provide a Gap
Analysis for NBS datasets and methods available in the state.
2.9 Project Restrictions Analysis This document identifies and evaluates the ability of the state government
and local governments to implement flood resilience strategies that were
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Subtask Report Title Description
identified in the best management practices analysis that is dependent on
federal, state, and local restrictions.
2.10 Identification of Existing
Recommendations
The purpose of this report is to identify specific recommendations from
existing statewide planning efforts that correspond with flood resilience
strategies and how they can be effectively connected to the Blueprint. This
will build an awareness of existing efforts to help connect identified
strategies to the intent of the Blueprint.
2.11 Identification and Evaluation
of Online Flood Mitigation
Decision-Making Support
Tools
This document identifies and evaluate three existing online flood mitigation
decision-making support tools. This report also includes pros, cons, and any
changes recommended for incorporation to meet the Blueprint
requirements.
2.12 Artificial Intelligence and
Machine Learning Tools to
Support the Development of
the Blueprint
The purpose of this document is to identify artificial intelligence/machine
learning tools that can be used to develop or improve the Blueprint: for
example, reducing costs of updates, increasing the accuracy of web-based
decision tools, or improving engagement and decision making.
2.13 Nature-Based Solutions
Existing Opportunities Gap
Analysis in the Neuse River
Basin
The purpose of this document is to identify and evaluate existing datasets for
North Carolina that are available to identify spatial distribution, coverage,
and potential effectiveness of projects to reduce flooding using nature-based
solutions as part of the Blueprint.
2.14 Identification of Vulnerable,
Underserved and Under-
resourced Communities in
the Neuse Basin
The scope of this task is to support the Blueprint through the identification of
vulnerable, underserved, and under-resourced communities in the Neuse
River Basin that experience or will experience flooding and possible solutions
for increasing the resiliency of those communities and adjacent ecosystems,
based in part on stakeholder engagement with those communities.
3.1-2,
3.13
Flood Resiliency Blueprint
Tool Recommendations
This report provides recommendations regarding the Blueprint Tool. The
recommendations span several topics, including recommendations on
developing, implementing, and maintaining multi-scale risk decision-making
tools as well as recommendations for linking solutions identified in the
toolbox and beyond to identify regional and local flooding issues within the
Blueprint online tools.
3.3 Recommendations for
Integrating Federal, State,
and Regional Flood
Resiliency Efforts
This document recommends how the Blueprint can implement the existing
knowledge, experience, and resources that already exist within the federal,
state, and regional programs dedicated to flood resiliency.
3.4 Recommendations for
Incorporating Local,
Regional, Tribal and State
Priorities
The purpose of this document is to outline recommendations for
incorporating local, regional, and state priorities (water quality, life safety,
economic stability, etc.) into the Blueprint Tool. This would allow for a range
of decision-making approaches (e.g., strict risk-based, economic priorities) to
be completed for the best outcome.
3.5-7 Recommendations: Open
Access H&H Modeling, Storm
Frequencies, and Climate
Forecast Models Support
Tools
The purpose of this document is to summarize Phase I recommendations for:
open-access hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling software and
approaches, including how various models can be leveraged and cross-
utilized; model scale; storm frequency options; and climate forecast model(s)
selection.
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Subtask Report Title Description
3.8, 3.16 Addressing Challenges and
Future Recommendations
The purpose of this document is to address challenges related to new
technology, programs, and strategies identified in Tasks 1 and 2 of Phase I,
provide lessons learned, and formulate recommendations to best overcome
the identified challenges.
3.9-10,
3.14
Recommendations:
Standardized Statewide
Datasets
The purpose of this document is to summarize Phase I recommendations for
standardizing datasets and models for statewide implementation; identify
efforts, datasets, models, etc. that can be immediately developed statewide;
and provide recommendations on strategies to maintain the Blueprint.
3.11 Recommendations for the
Utilization of Artificial
Intelligence and Machine
Learning to Inform Blueprint
This document provides recommendations for AI use in the Blueprint.
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Tools (Subtask 2.12) gives a broader
understanding of the current AI/ML environment.
3.12 State Level Staffing and
Support Recommendations
This document makes recommendations for a Blueprint program with both
permanent, full-time staff and an augmentation of contractual services to
successfully oversee the operations of each cycle.
3.15 Recommendations for
Developing and Maintaining
Local Stormwater
Management Programs
This report provides recommendations for developing and maintaining local
stormwater management and maintenance programs in association with
development of the Blueprint. The recommendations include the level of
resources required to maintain these programs, possible funding sources,
and ways to address the funding gaps of small, under-resourced
communities.
4.0 Glossary of Terms &
Definitions
This document provides a comprehensive list of definitions applicable to
multiple Blueprint documents. Definitions were created using trusted and
vetted sources. A collaborative review effort between NCDEQ, stakeholders,
and the contractor ensured definitions met the intent and standards of
Blueprint.
4.1 Flood Resiliency Blueprint
Tool Requirements
This document outlines recommendations for the requirements needed to
develop a suite of functions to produce an online decision-support tool.
4.2-3 Flood Resiliency Blueprint
Tool Storyboards,
Wireframes, and Mockups
This document provides recommendations for storyboards – identifying
specific functions users will want to perform in online tools – and wireframes
and mockups – depicting the look and feel of an online interactive decision-
support tool.
4.4 Preliminary Draft Neuse
River Basin Flood Resiliency
Action Strategy
This document serves as the preliminary draft for the Neuse River Basin
Flood Resiliency Action Strategy, the first five-year action strategy to be
developed.
4.5-7 Draft North Carolina Flood
Resiliency Blueprint
This document serves as the framework for implementation of the Blueprint.

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2 River Basin Action Strategy Development Process
Flood resilience planning is fundamental to effective project selection and implementation: it is the
roadmap to sound flood resilience investing. Watershed-based planning of any kind has the following
basic elements: 1) stakeholder engagement; 2) existing data compilation and inventory; 3) gap
analysis; 4) actions that fill identified gaps; 5) technical analysis; 6) project identification, evaluation,
and prioritization; 7) plan and project implementation; and 8) adaptive management. The Flood
Resiliency Blueprint planning process was developed to guide the creation of River Basin Action
Strategies across the state that are science-based, cost-effective, and ultimately lead to the
enhancement of community flood resilience using a watershed approach. The process described
below is also scalable for others to apply outside of the River Basin Action Strategies using the
Blueprint Tool and the inventory of Blueprint foundational reports and resources found on the
Blueprint website.
The Blueprint planning process described in this section is intended as a roadmap for development
and implementation of River Basin Action Strategies by the state and communities across North
Carolina. Consistent with the authorizing legislation, the Blueprint seeks to establish a standardized
methodology for flood planning in North Carolina through a consistent set of practices and
procedures applicable statewide while remaining sufficiently flexible. The flexibility is designed to
account for different physiographic settings, development intensity, regional differences, flood types,
and other types of variability. Differing characteristics such as these along with growth rate, the
existing infrastructure, existing available data, and financial and technical capacity are inevitable and
will result in unique starting conditions and needs for each river basin. However, utilizing the
Blueprint’s high-level standardized methodology for planning and implementation will support
consistency.
The Workflow streamlines the flood planning process to help communities and the state understand
flood risk, identify and evaluate solutions, and make informed decisions to enhance flood resilience in
each river basin. The Workflow promotes a customizable approach to reflect the existing resources
and conditions in each basin with the objectives of:
1. Yielding higher community participation and buy-in;
2. Supporting actions that benefit those most vulnerable to flood impacts; and
3. Developing a sustainable approach that can be updated and refined over time.
The approach below will shape the development of each basin’s action strategy and set precedence
for an adaptively managed process to update and renew on a multi-year cycle. Each River Basin Action
Strategy iteration will serve as first-hand accounts highlighting the strengths (what worked well),
weaknesses (what did not work), opportunities (what could be improved), and threats (what posed
challenges). Continuous improvement in the decision Workflow will result in an enhanced basin plan
every cycle and strengthen statewide flood resiliency in the long term. The river basin approach also
provides the opportunity for communities to work together for effective solutions.
For progress to be made in the early years of implementing the Blueprint, decisions must be made in a
timely manner. An advisory group was created for the Neuse River Basin Strategy as a resource to
NCDEQ. In addition, a Principal Advisory Group supported by six Technical Advisory Groups was
tasked with advising the department on development of the Blueprint as a whole. Going forward,
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NCDEQ expects these groups to continue in an advisory capacity in some form, and NCDEQ intends to
mirror the river basin-specific advisory group model in other basins.
2.1 Flood Resiliency Blueprint Tool
Phase II of the Blueprint is the development of the online decision-support tool, referred to as the
Flood Resiliency Blueprint Tool. The tool will be designed to fulfill key components of Session Law
2021-180 Section 5.9.(c) and Session Law 2022-75 Section 22.a.(3). Phase II began in November 2023
with NCDEQ and a vendor and is expected to continue through 2024 with key milestones including a
prototype, a beta version and beta testing with dozens of users, a Version 1, and a Version 2. NCDEQ
has engaged a 10-person “user group” to inform development of the tool along with additional
technical advisors drawing on the TAG membership.
The Blueprint Tool will be a publicly accessible, data- and model-driven, GIS-enabled web application
that supports flood planning and implementation across the state. It will support and enable the
development and management of the Blueprint program including supporting a standardized
statewide methodology for understanding flooding, its impacts, and possible solutions. The Blueprint
Tool will assist state agencies, local governments, tribes, regional entities, and others in identifying
and selecting flood mitigation and resilience strategies, including funding options.
Described in the next section, a multi-step planning process has been developed to support River
Basin Action Strategies. The Blueprint Tool and how it can be used is addressed in the description of
each step. Refinement of the process will occur as the Blueprint Tool and the action strategies are
being developed.
2.2 Blueprint Planning Workflow Overview
The process and steps outlined in this planning Workflow create a structured and systematic
approach for developing River Basin Action Strategies that support effective implementation of
resiliency actions that support the goals and desired outcomes of the Blueprint. The steps of the
Workflow are intended to establish requirements for successful flood resilience planning and
implementation. When reviewing the Workflow, it is important to keep the following in mind:
1. The Workflow describes a dynamic process that will result in adaptively managed plans that are
renewed on a cycle and refined over time to better address flood resilience at the river basin and
community level.
2. The planning Workflow and the steps contained therein are based on the research and gap
analyses performed in Phase I of the Blueprint project.
3. The steps included in the Workflow are to be used as a general guide and should not be
interpreted as an inflexible approach nor place any specific new burden on communities.
Flexibility in developing River Basin Action Strategies exists to account for different physiographic
settings, development intensity, regional differences, flood types, and other types of variability. In
addition, the development of each River Basin Action Strategy may employ tailored approaches to
achieve regional collaboration while ensuring locally driven input. Finally, communities will have
the ability to choose who represents them in the Blueprint planning process (e.g., themselves, a
regional entity such as a COG, another entity or organization they delegate, etc.).
4. The Workflow’s planning process is supported by the Blueprint Tool that will be built in Phase II of
the project. Therefore, some elements related to integration of the Blueprint Tool into the
Workflow are forthcoming and will be included in an Addendum once completed. NCDEQ is
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committed to continual engagement with its partners in the project, including through Phase II.
5. As a supplement to the Workflow, a procedural document will be developed that serves as a more
detailed manual for development of River Basin Action Strategies.
6. NCDEQ will lead the development of the overall River Basin Action Strategy for each river basin.
The agency may identify government or nonprofit partners such as Councils of Government, Soil
and Water Conservation Districts, etc. that can support regionalized planning efforts for the
Blueprint. The intent is for the River Basin Action Strategy to incorporate local priorities and
solutions, regional collaboration, considerations, and solutions, all of which is rolled up to the
river basin level in the form of the basin-wide action strategy.
7. The development of River Basin Action Strategies is not intended to replace or duplicate other
federal, state, or local entities’ flood resiliency efforts but to recognize, leverage, link, and build
upon existing initiatives.
8. Each river basin will be different in terms of the level of effort and timeframe needed to develop its
River Basin Action Strategy. Factors that affect the timelines are the size of the river basin, the
scale and accuracy of existing data, population, and the level of existing flood resilience efforts
within the basin. Typically, the development of the initial strategy will be approximately 18
months. Larger river basins or basins with limited accurate data may take up to 24 months.
More details on Workflow implementation will be found in the River Basin Flood Resiliency Strategies
Procedures Manual when that document becomes available.
Figure 2-1 shows the Blueprint Planning Workflow that the state, stakeholders, and communities will
follow to develop, implement, and track River Basin Action Strategies.
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Figure 2-1: Blueprint Planning Workflow
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2.2.1 Workflow Step 1: Actionable Data Collection, Modeling, and Analysis
2.2.1.1 Purpose
The purpose of Step 1 is to compile, inventory, and summarize existing data and information to
support the planning process and development of the strategy. Actions taken in this step will identify
where there may be gaps in the information needed to support the flood risk planning and analysis
that occurs in later Workflow steps, including through a river basin analysis of vulnerable,
underserved, and under-resourced communities. Step 1 will also include compilation of new or
updated 2-D future flood conditions modeling that, when possible, would be developed prior to this
step. In addition to the data gathering elements of Step 1, NCDEQ will establish the river basin-specific
River Basin Advisory Group. It should include a diverse group of stakeholders, including
representatives from communities identified from the community analysis referenced above.
2.2.1.2 Administration
NCDEQ is the lead agency for Step 1 in managing all information used to support the planning
process. The agency initiates the process and guides it throughout. Where needed, NCDEQ will use
partnerships and contract services to support this function.
2.2.1.3 Process
Step 1 includes the collection and coordination of existing datasets and sets a standardized baseline
set of data and modeling. Examples of existing information and datasets for use are described in
several Phase I reports but generally include existing state and federal spatial datasets, existing flood-
related modeling, previous planning efforts within the river basin, relevant locally derived information
and data, and current resilience projects (existing and proposed) within the basin.
The Blueprint will construct a seamless, centralized, and standardized baseline for large-scale future
conditions 2-D modeling across the state. Ultimately, the individual river basin’s modeling should be
developed prior to the start of each River Basin Action Strategy. However, in order to move forward
with implementing Phase 3 in the prioritized river basins, the modeling will have to occur concurrently
for those basins. NCDEQ intends to develop these through partnership with the North Carolina
Floodplain Mapping Program and as an enhancement to the existing 2-D Advisory Modeling program.
This modeling will provide results from a wide range of future scenarios and address a variety of flood
types and sources including but not limited to fluvial (riverine), pluvial (rainfall), stormwater, and
coastal flooding (including compound flooding). The primary purpose for the large-scale 2-D modeling
is to inform flood risk and vulnerability and initial solution development across the river basin. The
level of model resolution at this stage may not support the development of all possible solutions nor
support site-specific design.
Collaboration is a critical element of Step 1 as it includes compiling existing data and relevant
information from federal, tribal, state, and local agencies and other stakeholders. NCDEQ and the
Blueprint program will not replace or duplicate existing programs and planning initiatives, but instead
will work to link these current efforts and build upon them, filling in gaps and providing for
enhancements as needed. In collaboration with other state and local agencies, NCDEQ will include
recommended resiliency actions contained in existing state and local planning initiatives (e.g., Hazard
Mitigation Plans, local stormwater plans, and existing state programs such as the Resilient Coastal
Communities Program, Regions Innovating for Strong Economies and Environment, etc.) for linkage
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and plan consistency. In addition, existing resiliency actions that have already been implemented
should be compiled.
A request for existing data will be circulated among state and local partners within the river basin as
part of this effort. Locally generated data or modeling will be reviewed and assessed for potential
inclusion in the planning process.
A River Basin Advisory Group will be organized at this stage. Building from the model applied in the
Neuse Strategy Pilot, membership will be selected by NCDEQ to include subject matter experts and
other key interests in the river basin. These representatives would span a variety of groups including
but not limited to:
• Local Governments
• Vulnerable, underserved, and under-resourced communities
• State agencies and programs
• Business community representation
• Working lands, agriculture, and/or timber industry
• Environmental community
• Development community
• Special groups or industries specific to the basin (tourism, seafood, mining, etc.)
• Federal partners
• Academia/community colleges
• Local water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities
• Drainage districts
Gap Analysis
Using information compiled in this step, NCDEQ will conduct a gap analysis across the following
elements: spatial information, relevant quantitative information, previous planning efforts and
relevant studies, modeling, partnerships, and capacity. The goal is to identify where the Blueprint can
utilize and link existing resources and planning, and where gaps exist that can be addressed as part of
strategy development. Some may be longer-term gaps that are filled over time.
During Steps 2 and 3, additional information needs may be identified or requested by communities or
the River Basin Advisory Group to further support resilience analysis and planning. Where appropriate,
the Blueprint program will seek to incorporate that need and identify resources available to fill it
through the process of developing the River Basin Action Strategy, either in the current cycle of
development or as a subsequent effort to be completed. This decision will be based on timing and
funding.
2.2.1.4 Blueprint Tool Update for River Basin Action Strategy
Data, modeling, and analysis generated or updated in Step 1 will be incorporated into the Blueprint
Tool and described in the River Basin Action Strategy document developed in a later step of the
Workflow. For the Blueprint Tool, these data inputs will typically involve river basin-specific data
rather than existing statewide datasets that will already be included in the Blueprint Tool as part of its
initial development. The data in Step 1 will be tracked and updated as needed, as the first cycle of a
River Basin Action Strategy moves through Workflow steps and, in the future, as the strategies are
updated on a regular cycle.
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2.2.2 Workflow Step 2: Initiate Community Engagement and Discovery
2.2.2.1 Purpose
Step 2 initiates Community Engagement and Discovery, which serves as the formal kick-off of
stakeholder engagement for a river basin. The purposes of this step are to (1) introduce the Blueprint,
the River Basin Action Strategy development process, and the resources available to community
stakeholders, local government representatives, and the river basin representatives; (2) promote
initial interest among community and local government stakeholders and work to identify and resolve
any gaps in representation; and (3) validate existing information and conduct further information
discovery regarding both data and flooding issues. Using the information gathered, a detailed
outreach and engagement plan will be developed and implemented to ensure robust community
engagement and empowerment, especially among those with less capacity.
While community engagement is initiated in this step, it continues throughout all steps that follow.
2.2.2.2 Administration
Development of each River Basin Action Strategy is led by NCDEQ Blueprint staff in close collaboration
with a River Basin Advisory Group, other state and regional leaders, and communities. With partner
and contractor support as needed, the Blueprint staff will (1) craft basin outreach and engagement
plans; (2) identify and maintain stakeholder points of contact; (3) communicate, coordinate, and
facilitate outreach and engagement sessions throughout the river basin; and (4) coordinate and
support the River Basin Advisory Group that was stood up in Step 1.
2.2.2.3 Process
During Step 2, communities within the river basin will be engaged according to an outreach and
engagement plan developed by NCDEQ. The plan will identify participants, ensure representation,
guide outreach efforts, and include the results of technical and financial capacity assessments to
identify under-resourced communities that may need additional support to participate effectively.
The River Basin Advisory Group will provide guidance to NCDEQ on the approaches, timing, and
participants of the stakeholder engagement plan.
From Step 2 forward, it is important that community stakeholders and local government
representatives remain engaged, stay informed, and advocate for their needs and concerns. Attention
should be given to setting the conditions for the inclusion and representation of all communities and
interests— including under-resourced communities, business interests (including agriculture and
forestry), advocacy organizations, faith organizations, etc.— and engaging in a manner that promotes
long term two-way collaboration and engagement.
Next, each river basin will be divided where necessary into manageable geographic groupings of
communities to facilitate effective and productive working groups. NCDEQ may partner with
government or non-profit entities to organize and manage this process (this may include funding of
those efforts where needed). The groups will consist of local governments, community
representatives, and other interests in effective geographic extents from a planning and engagement
perspective. For example, the larger Cape Fear River Basin might be divided into three regions due to
its size, whereas the White Oak is smaller in geographic size might not need to be divided. The right
sizing of the groupings and associated meetings to engage local government representatives and
stakeholders is necessary to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, accessibility, and representation. The
intent is for the River Basin Action Strategy to incorporate local priorities and solutions, regional
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collaboration, considerations, and solutions, all of which is rolled up to the river basin level in the
form of the basin-wide action strategy. As a part of this, communities will have the ability to choose
who represents them in the planning process (e.g., themselves, a regional entity such as a COG,
another entity they delegate, etc.).
A robust and effective stakeholder and community engagement effort will consist of multiple
meetings at strategic touch points as well as multiple ways to engage in the process. Engagement
plans may differ based on river basin-specific needs and requests, but each river basin will have the
following standard meetings: 1) Kickoff, 2) Draft Gap Analysis, 3) Blueprint Tool Training, 4) Draft
Risk/Vulnerability Analysis, 5) Project Prioritization, 6) Draft River Basin Action Strategy, and 7) Final
River Basin Action Strategy. This series of meetings will share information and solicit input and
feedback on flooding issues in the constituent communities. The number of sessions may vary per
river basin and sessions may be virtual, in-person, or hybrid depending on preference and need.
Strategic locations and times will be selected for in-person meetings to ensure accessibility and
optimize attendance. Based on lessons learned from the process of developing the Draft Neuse River
Basin Action Strategy, highly experienced facilitators should be used, and the maximum driving
distance for an in-person meeting participant should not exceed 1 ½ hours where possible. Some of
the incremental actions taken as part of Step 2 may be carried out by partnering agencies or
organizations.
In addition to the identification of locally generated data not identified in Step 1, community
stakeholder and local government representatives will provide input into an analysis of technical and
financial capacity, which will be used to develop a community needs assessment relative to under-
resourced communities that may need additional assistance in participating in the process and with
implementation.
2.2.2.4 Blueprint Tool
The Blueprint Tool will be introduced to stakeholders in this step and applied throughout the
planning process. In addition, prior to accepting and incorporating any additional information
collected during community engagement, it must be determined that the additional data meets the
needs and standards for the program. These standards and criteria will be developed in parallel with
the Blueprint Tool development to ensure all data achieves a level of consistency, quality, and
relevancy to the Blueprint and is in a format the Blueprint Tool can accept. If incorporated, the new
data will feed back into Step 1. The information collected at this time will also help support the effort
in Step 3: Flood Risk Planning and Analysis, as recommendations to increase flood resilience in the
basin are created and updated within the Blueprint Tool. Additional details on this effort will be
developed during the course of developing the Blueprint Tool and an addendum with the
requirements will be issued.
2.2.3 Workflow Step 3: Flood Risk Planning and Analysis
2.2.3.1 Purpose
The goal of Step 3 is to conduct strategic flood risk and vulnerability analysis and initial solution
development across the river basin using information collected and developed in prior steps and with
close collaboration between local communities and the NCDEQ Blueprint team and its partners.
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2.2.3.2 Administration
NCDEQ will facilitate the overall process with its contractors, partners, and local communities. For
feasibility purposes, NCDEQ partners from the government or nonprofit sectors may take the lead in
facilitating the regionalized community stakeholder meetings in this step.
2.2.3.3 Process
The step begins by bringing forward the information developed from Steps 1 and 2 including the
large-scale 2-D modeling results and the compiled existing resiliency actions (proposed or
implemented), among others. These will be used for large-scale risk and vulnerability analysis across
the river basin to evaluate hazards, assess impact, and inform solution development. Next, further
actions and projects will be identified based on the areas of need in terms of flood risk, building from
previous planning efforts and identified project proposals and filling in gaps and providing updates
where needed. A selection of hot spots and initial ideas for new resilience or mitigation actions by
region will be developed by NCDEQ. NCDEQ will use this information as a basis for discussion with
stakeholders and a collaborative selection of actions and projects for inclusion in the next steps of the
planning process. Solutions may be localized within a community or regional in nature and impact.
There may be a need to conduct higher resolution modeling and analysis building off the large-scale
2-D modeling to support further resiliency action identification and confirmation for select areas. It is
anticipated that NCDEQ would support some, but not all, of the desired smaller-scale modeling
analyses, with an emphasis on supporting under-resourced communities. Additional modeling may
need to be conducted by individual communities or coalitions. This may also be flagged for future
efforts. More information on modeling approaches is provided in the foundational Blueprint Phase I
reports, including Recommendations: Open Access H&H Modeling, Storm Frequencies, and Climate
Forecast Models Support Tools (Subtask 3.5-7) and later in the Recommendations section herein.
The scope of community stakeholder collaboration in this step will depend on several variables such
as the size of the basin, the capacity of participating communities, the number of communities
participating, the nature of any regional groupings that may be employed, and other items, as
necessary. The number of meetings needed to facilitate this collaborative effort should be determined
when scoping the work for each individual basin.
Step 3 of the Blueprint will lead to the development of community-based resilience actions and
prioritized actions that reflect specific flood vulnerabilities and objectives of the program.
Vulnerability types include, but are not limited to, losses of life, property loss or impact (including
agriculture and timber industries), and lack of access to critical facilities (hospitals, water treatment
plants, highways), etc.). This will inform the Action Profile analytics in the Blueprint Tool and plan
generation in Steps 4 and 5. Steps 3, 4 and 5 will comprise an iterative process where needed.
2.2.3.4 Blueprint Tool
The actions initially developed during Step 3 will be input into the Blueprint Tool Action Profiles,
which feature the hazard, impact, and the defined action or mitigation project for that specific hazard
risk to the community. The Action Profile will further include cost estimates, feasibility, and
complexity for completing the action, if this information is known at this stage. Gaps in this
information may be filled in the next step of the Workflow. The Action Profiles will include existing and
proposed regional resiliency/mitigation actions (i.e., larger scale projects such as levees, off-line
detention facilities, some nature-based solutions, etc.), which will help to identify opportunities for
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collaboration, as well as gaps, and prevent the duplication of effort. The Blueprint Tool can also be
used directly by communities to develop or evaluate resiliency actions for their consideration.
2.2.4 Workflow Step 4: Resiliency Action Review and Adjustment
2.2.4.1 Purpose
The purpose of Step 4: Resiliency Action Review and Adjustment is to refine resiliency actions and
their profiles ensuring the data feeding the Blueprint Tool is complete for proper ranking and to assist
in evaluation of actions. NCDEQ will rely on communities or their representative/delegated authority
to provide some of this information and enter it directly into the Blueprint Tool. NCDEQ or a partner
agency will support under-resourced communities as needed.
2.2.4.2 Administration
In Step 4, NCDEQ, local government, and stakeholders will review the action items developed in Step
3 to verify that all the information in the Resiliency Action Profiles has been included. NCDEQ, or a
partner agency, will help with accessing and training for the Tool. These partners will help clarify for
Blueprint Tool users what data is needed for NCDEQ and the River Basin Advisory Group to complete
the river basin level analysis and project ranking most effectively in Step 5, Resiliency Action Analysis
and Ranking. NCDEQ will work with the communities, other state agencies, non-profit organizations,
and other groups that are instrumental in increasing resilience in the basin to determine missing
information and to develop a process for collecting that data and understanding the impact of the
missing information. After the minimum information has been populated in the Blueprint Tool, the
River Basin Advisory Group will be engaged in Step 5 to review the recommended actions (community
and regional) and provide feedback at the basin scale from their unique perspectives.
2.2.4.3 Process
Actions developed in the Blueprint Tool will contain core Action Profile data, where feasible, such as:
• Capital and 5-Year Cost
• Project Benefits (e.g., reductions in flow or flooding)
• Benefit-to-Cost Ratio (BCR)
• Return on Investment (ROI)
• Goal Alignment/Support
• Permitting/Regulatory Profile
• Community Priority
• Project Complexity/Scale
• Added Value/Multi-Benefit Characteristics
At a minimum, planning level information will be sought. Where more precise information is known, it
can be added. If a specific project was proposed in another plan or explored by another agency, that
analysis and data can be used in developing the Resiliency Action Profile for that project, though this
information should be evaluated for potential update if necessary. Such data may include prior cost
estimates, anticipated increase in cost over time, analysis of level of effort, and proposed schedules.
The purpose of these Action Profiles is for each action to have an in-depth profile that covers essential
information when determining the project’s feasibility and implementation. Including these details
consistently in each Action Profile is critical for the comparative analysis and ranking conducted
during the following Step 5: Basin-Wide Action Analysis and Ranking process.
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Within the Blueprint Tool, proposed funding options will be provided, and the user can explore some
high-level funding information while developing Action Profiles. The goal will be to provide a holistic
view of what funding is available and to use the developing Action Profiles to determine the best
funding mechanisms and make them known to Blueprint Tool users. Throughout the action review,
creation, and adjustment, NCDEQ and/or partnering agencies will offer assistance to all communities
with an emphasis on assistance to under-resourced communities.
As mentioned in the previous step, regional actions will be incorporated into the Blueprint Tool. Users
can view regional actions in relation to community actions in effort to leverage opportunities for
collaboration, identify any major gaps, and prevent the duplication of effort. The River Basin Advisory
Group will be engaged in this step to enhance the proposed approach to increase resilience at the
basin scale and to minimize upstream/downstream conflicts that may be created by proposed
resiliency actions.
2.2.4.4 Blueprint Tool
The Blueprint Tool will be used by NCDEQ and communities during this refinement process to fill in
required Action Profiles details for analysis purposes and to update gaps in data. Action Profile data or
the calculation of individual parameters within, proposed funding strategies, and further detailed
steps to be taken within Step 4 will be covered in the River Basin Flood Resiliency Strategies
Procedures Manual and in the Blueprint Tool documentation.
2.2.5 Workflow Step 5: Basin-Wide Action Analysis and Ranking
2.2.5.1 Purpose
The purpose of Step 5: Basin-wide Action Analysis and Ranking is for NCDEQ to review, sort, and rank
the potential resiliency actions at the basin, sub-basin, regional, and/or other scales using the
Blueprint Tool in a transparent manner. This basin-level analysis and ranking will then feed into the
final River Basin Action Strategy created in Step 6. Each basin will include a process of ranking and
creating final strategies with their priorities, interconnected proposals, and action outcomes clearly
defined for their basin. It will be important for the process to have consistency so that projects from
river basin to river basin can be compared as well for funding decisions.
2.2.5.2 Administration
NCDEQ will lead this process partnering with communities and stakeholders and in collaboration with
the River Basin Advisory Group. Communities can use the Blueprint Tool to rate, sort, and rank actions
from various agencies at the basin scale. In Step 5, the River Basin Advisory Group should observe how
communities are using the Blueprint Tool to rank actions and if/how that supports or conflicts with
the regional actions that are under consideration. Results should be shared with the community
stakeholders.
2.2.5.3 Process
The Blueprint Tool will be used to apply a ranking methodology to the collection of proposed river
basin actions (community and regional) by a method that ensures consistency with program priorities
such as life, safety, protection of critical facilities, preference for multi-benefit solutions, and
ultimately increasing local flood resilience for communities. Parameters may also consider different
aspects such as co-benefits, multi-jurisdictional impacts, equity, social vulnerability, and committed
funds (in-kind or matching) if applicable. As this ranking process is taking place, scenarios of analysis
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and ranking can be saved by users, which will help communities and the River Basin Advisory Group
review the action options they have developed and progressively identify how projects can best work
together to accomplish the greatest impacts and most positive outcomes for flood resiliency in their
basin.
2.2.5.4 Blueprint Tool
Using the Blueprint Tool to create or update a River Basin Action Strategy, the proposed actions will
be reviewed, sorted, and ranked using a designated set of parameters (with the final parameters to be
determined in Phase II Blueprint Tool development). These parameters may include action
complexity, capital, operations, and maintenance cost, added value, funding strategy, governance,
ROI, performance and benefits, and basin-wide priority.
In addition, the fund navigator database can be used to match the resiliency project to relevant
funding and finance options through a search or artificial intelligence (AI) match. All actions will be
developed within the Blueprint Tool and used to generate the final action profile. As the actions from
the plan move into the implementation phase of the Workflow (Steps 6 through 8), NCDEQ will be
responsible for updating the implementation progress of each individual action profile in
coordination with regional and community stakeholders.
The Blueprint Tool development process will be responsible for creating several methodologies to
sort, rank, and rate certain parameters and determine the appropriate metric. In essence, the
Blueprint Tool will configure the backend of the Action Profile Analysis Tool to ensure (1)
methodologies and metrics are accurately assigned, (2) users have the ability to search and select
specific parameters based on preference or concern, and (3) the output produces a prioritized list of
actions reflective of the parameters selected.
2.2.6 Workflow Step 6: Flood Resiliency River Basin Action Strategy
2.2.6.1 Purpose
NCDEQ in collaboration with a basin-specific River Basin Advisory Group and basin-wide community
partners will create the River Basin Action Strategy document based on the information developed in
the previous Workflow steps including the final Resiliency Action Profiles and ranking. For each action
identified in the Action Strategy, the Blueprint Tool can also provide potential funding options,
including a grading function for identifying the most appropriate funding mechanisms for specified
actions. Funding mechanisms will include a variety of state and federal programs, including any
directly affiliated with the Blueprint program. Communities are not bound to these funding options–
they may use local funds to implement an action or leverage the Blueprint to pursue other funding
sources.
2.2.6.2 Administration
The River Basin Action Strategy is the component that utilizes all the necessary technical and non-
technical information to identify and prioritize projects to be implemented and identifies potential
funding sources for those projects. The River Basin Action Strategy creation process is led by NCDEQ
with key advice from the River Basin Advisory Group and community and stakeholder input. The River
Basin Action Strategies are critical components to the Blueprint’s reporting cycle, which will be
established on an annual basis as detailed in Step 8. NCDEQ, other state agencies, and the legislature
will use the River Basin Action Strategies for coordinated and effective funding and implementation
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decision-making. This will fulfill the legislative intent of the Blueprint to use the best available science
to produce actionable projects that help North Carolina communities.
2.2.6.3 Process
The River Basin Action Strategy will be a publicly available report developed from all the information
compiled, summarized, and analyzed in the previous steps of the Workflow. A project atlas will be
developed and included in an appendix that incorporates existing and newly proposed resiliency
actions of the overall action strategy along with ranking information. Most of the underpinning data
will be stored in the Blueprint Tool. An assessment will be conducted as part of Step 6 to determine if
any additional studies or modeling are needed in a specific area or for a particular action. Additional
studies may be pursued by individual local governments, regional groups, or the state. The Blueprint
may provide technical assistance in some instances (e.g., limited capacity). In some cases, higher-
resolution modeling may be needed to fully flesh out a recommended action. This is referenced in the
Blueprint Recommendations as a “two-tiered approach” for modeling. Furthermore, most actions in
the form of projects will not be shovel-ready at this stage (i.e., will require a fuller engineering design
process), but the goal is to generate enough information to support grant funding applications or
local design RFPs where possible. If and until an alternative decision-making authority is created,
NCDEQ in consultation with other stakeholders will select resiliency actions for Blueprint-specific
funding. A funding schedule will be developed and reviewed on an annual basis.
2.2.6.4 Blueprint Tool
In Step 6, the Blueprint Tool provides much of the technical information used to create the River Basin
Action Strategy document.
2.2.7 Workflow Step 7: Resiliency Action Implementation
2.2.7.1 Purpose
Step 7 will kick off the resiliency action implementation phase of the Blueprint Workflow. The
Blueprint Team and responsible party (i.e., community/local government champion or regional/state
agency that will be receiving funding) will work in partnership to implement the approved actions.
The program will also seek to provide non-financial support where appropriate to actions not funded
directly by Blueprint funds.
2.2.7.2 Administration
Implementation can be carried out by any entity using any available funding sources. NCDEQ will
utilize available state funding to implement resilience actions. When possible, NCDEQ will also seek to
leverage external funding sources such as federal grants to supplement available state funding.
NCDEQ will utilize a variety of methods to administer available funding: direct payment to a local
government like a grant program, NCDEQ-hired design and construction contractors, full delivery or
design-build projects managed by NCDEQ, partnership with other state agencies and nonprofits, etc.
While NCDEQ intends to implement as many actions as funding will allow, other organizations are free
to implement Blueprint actions without input from NCDEQ.
2.2.7.3 Process
The details of the funding program and delivery will be developed in a subsequent phase of the
Blueprint.
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Communities that elect to participate and include local projects in the Blueprint planning process will
not be bound to the state’s Blueprint. These municipalities can, and are encouraged to, still use other
funding to implement actions. Information from the Action Strategy and the Blueprint Tool should
help support these efforts.
2.2.7.4 Blueprint Tool
As the action implementation progresses, the responsible party will be required to input select data
and metrics into the Blueprint Tool to report on the project and track its progress over the course of
implementation. NCDEQ will seek ways to encourage communities, regional groups, and other state
agencies to update the Blueprint Tool as they implement actions that are not Blueprint-funded. If the
funding originated from another state agency, the agency responsible for managing the awarded
funds may require the grant recipient to update the Blueprint Tool as action implementation
progresses.
2.2.8 Workflow Step 8: Program and Project Accountability
2.2.8.1 Purpose
Program and project accountability will address the programmatic needs of the Blueprint and be
supported by a Blueprint Tool dashboard that shows actions, funding, and action progression. The
dashboard is intended to be both an operational and communication tool that will become
instrumental in communicating project management details, actions, and metrics.
2.2.8.2 Administration
Funded action tracking and mechanisms for reporting are being determined as part of Phase II
Blueprint Tool development. NCDEQ and responsible parties will have Blueprint Tool module access
to fill in information on pertinent actions showing status and needs of the funded actions. The
Blueprint Tool dashboard will track progress, report risk reduction and other benefit metrics where
appropriate and possible and provide information for each action at the basin scale. User roles will be
set up in the dashboard to ensure that visualization is driven by the information needed by the system
users. A goal of the dashboard is to show all actions and projects associated with flood resiliency
through the state and through any grant mechanism. Further details of the funded action tracking and
mechanisms for reporting will be determined as part of Phase II Blueprint Tool development.
2.2.8.3 Process
Program and project accountability is a critically important function within the Blueprint. The
dashboard will eventually be a rolling cycle of information that shows all actions and how they are
ranked, what was funded, and the status of the project. Project updates will be uploaded into the tool,
using a module designed specifically for project reporting. The updated Project information will be
reviewed and approved for accuracy by NCDEQ. The goal is for the dashboard to track metrics on
spending, risk reduction, and milestones for completion, as applicable, for each action. As actions are
completed or data becomes available because of an action, that information would be integrated into
Step 1 to be available for the next round of basin needs in the action plan.
2.2.8.4 Tool
The dashboards in the Blueprint Tool will provide information in Step 8 to communicate project
accountability, actions, and metrics that help stakeholders and advisory authorities track and monitor
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progress in the program. The designated responsible party will input project updates into the tool
using the module created for project reporting. NCDEQ will review the information entered in the
tool/system by the responsible party and sign off on the update.
2.3 Blueprint Roles Framework
Following are the roles and responsibilities of staff, potential contractors, community participants,
etc. in the context of Blueprint activities.
Blueprint Team
NCDEQ Blueprint Program Manager: Oversees a wide variety of administrative duties, strategic
planning, policy initiatives, program development and maintenance, technical oversight,
operations, action strategy development and implementation, partner relations, and contractual
services associated with the program.
NCDEQ Project Manager: Serve as program point of contact with communities on policy, process,
resources, action reporting and evaluation, and funding. Provide hands-on guidance for action
strategy development, implementation, and reporting of assigned river basins with a focus on
community engagement and coordination and efficient project implementation.
NCDEQ Grant Administrator: Provide oversight, coordination, and hands-on management of all
grants that have been selected for implementation.
NCDEQ Information Technology Analyst: Perform updates and maintenance to the Blueprint Tool.
Provide training on the Blueprint Tool for state and local users and assist with access- or system-
related questions pertaining to the Blueprint Tool.
Contractor/Consultant: Private consultants hired by NCDEQ to support Blueprint program
implementation. Will assist with development of River Basin Action Strategies, provide technical
expertise, and quality control. Consultants may also be used for project development and
implementation support including for under-resourced communities.
NCDEQ Government or Nonprofit Partner: A government agency or nonprofit entity that partners
with NCDEQ to help facilitate regional planning in the context of Blueprint and development of
River Basin Action Strategies.
Community/Local Government Project Manager: Member of a particular community who is
responsible for the implementation of the approved and funded actions of the Blueprint.
Community Stakeholder: Member of the public who may participate in the plan development by
providing public comments and feedback.
Other Stakeholder: NGOs, interest groups, academia, and other stakeholders that may participate
in the Blueprint efforts.
General Assembly: Any member or staff that will make legislative and financial decisions regarding
funding and policy recommendations generated through the Blueprint.
Local Government: Officials elected or hired to work for a town, city, or county that may create a
Blueprint Flood Resiliency Action Plan and otherwise participate in Blueprint efforts.
Local Land-Use Authority: A town, city, or county who oversees and manages all policy,
development, and permitting for floodplain management within their jurisdiction.
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3 Case Study
The following case study describes how two fictional towns participate in the development of River
Basin Action Strategies in the context of a watershed-based approach facilitated by NCDEQ and its
partners. Additional case studies (e.g., unincorporated, rural areas; larger cities) may be added to
future versions of this document.
3.1 Blueprint Use Case Profiles
3.1.1 Town A
Town A is a fictional local government developed for the purpose of this Blueprint Use Case Profile. It
is sited in an eastern North Carolina county within the Neuse River Basin.
Staff: Limited local staff and no planning staff. The town belongs to the Down East Rural
Transportation Planning Organization. The town is also a part of the Eastern Carolina Council COG, a
multi-county, local government planning and development organization. These councils are forums
where local officials determine priorities for the larger area in which their communities are an integral
part. The Eastern Carolina Council provides technical assistance to local governments and
administers projects and programs.
3.1.1.1 Key Statistics
• Population: 305
• Employment Rate: 68.9%
• Median Household Income: $33,879
• Identified as Disadvantaged according to the Climate Economic Justice Screening Tool? All
census tracts = Yes.
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index (SVI): The census
tract is considered “high vulnerability.”
• Considered a “Tier 1” county in North Carolina, indicating the most distressed of three
possible categories.
3.1.1.2 Flooding Context
Historic flooding: Hurricane Florence (2018) flooded 87 homes in Town A. During the event, the river
rose approximately 27 feet. Local businesses and the Town Hall were unable to continue operation.
Town A also experienced severe flooding during Hurricane Floyd in 1999.
Flood planning background: Relative to larger local governments, this town has conducted limited
flood and resiliency work within its limits and has relied on the local COG and other state
organizations for assistance. The town is part of the Neuse River Basin Regional Hazard Mitigation
Plan (2020). Parts of the town along Main Street are in the 50-, 100-, and 500-year floodplain.
3.1.2 Town B
Town B is a fictional town, larger than Town A. It is sited in an eastern North Carolina county further
upstream within the Neuse River Basin.
Staff: Full planning, public works, and stormwater departments
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3.1.2.1 Key Statistics
• Population: 13,000
• Employment Rate: 53%
• Median Household Income: $42,587
• Identified as Disadvantaged according to the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool?
o 3 census tracts = Yes
o 2 census tracts = No
• CDC-SVI: All census tracts are considered “high vulnerability.”
• Considered a “Tier 1” county in North Carolina, indicating the most distressed of three
possible categories.
3.1.2.2 Flooding Context
Historic Flooding: In Hurricane Matthew, 25 properties flooded in Town B, impacting essential
infrastructure such as the local fire station.
Flood planning background: A Stormwater Action Plan was completed in 2017, which recommended
the creation of a full-time stormwater program manager to identify and implement proposed
flooding/stormwater actions. The county is covered by the Cape Fear Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
(2020). A regional Feasibility Study was completed by a federal and state agency.
The towns are served by a Regional Hospital located in Town B that lies in the 500-year floodplain. The
county recently completed a study on the Regional Hospital in Town B to evaluate the cost-to-benefit
ratio to raise the existing levee or relocate the hospital outside of the floodplain. Additionally, large
swaths of downtown lie in the 500-year floodplain.
3.2 Blueprint Use Case Study Steps
The following Blueprint Workflow steps are taken for the case studies described above. The timelines
provided are estimates and some of the steps may overlap. For example, Step 4 can begin before Step
3 ends.
Step 1 – Actionable Data Collection, Modeling, and Analysis (approximately 3 months): NCDEQ
announces the commencement of the River Basin Action Strategy planning process. Blueprint staff, in
collaboration with partners and contractors, gathers information and data required to create the
River Basin Action Strategy within the applicable river basin. An NCDEQ Project Manager collaborates
with Town A and Town B to include locally generated modeling and planning information when
appropriate, following a call for information from local and regional government, communities, and
other state agencies. Assistance is also requested from existing regional NGOs (e.g., COGs) in the river
basin and posted on the Blueprint website. NCDEQ forms the River Basin Advisory Group and holds
initial meeting.
Step 2 – Initiate Community Engagement and Discovery (initially 3 months and continued
throughout the next steps): At the completion of Step 1, the Blueprint Project Manager assigned to
the Neuse River Basin sends to both local governments, and all other communities within the Neuse
River Basin, a notice that the Blueprint planning process is starting. The project manager also sends
an invitation to attend one of several Flood Resiliency Blueprint Initiation kickoffs. Via email and/or
online form (and regular mail where necessary), the following is requested: (1) confirm if the local
government intends to participate in the process, (2) identify the point of contact, and (3) if needed,
requests resources and assistance in participating the process. NCDEQ partners with the local COG to
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facilitate the stakeholder process, which will be organized into three distinct regions of the Neuse
River Basin: upper, middle, and lower. Local soil and water districts also commit to participate in
order to assist with engagement of rural areas and working land interests.
Town A, which will participate in the lower Neuse Region, has conducted limited flood and resiliency
work within its limits. The Town relies heavily on the COG and other state partners. NCDEQ identifies
the Town as under-resourced and will provide additional assistance throughout the planning process.
Town B received detailed flood analysis and solution identification through a regional Feasibility
Study and conducted local studies by hiring an engineering firm. Unlike Town A, Town B is large
enough to have an independent Planning Department and several staff in its public works and
stormwater departments. The Town as a whole is not under-resourced and will participate directly in
the Blueprint planning process and be represented directly by a Town staff member. They will
participate in the Middle Neuse regional grouping. NCDEQ and the COG organizes kick-off meetings in
each regional planning group (i.e., 3 meetings total across the basin).
Step 3 – Flood Risk Planning and Analysis (approximately 8 months): NCDEQ and its contractor
complete flood risk planning and vulnerability analysis. This information will be summarized and
presented to stakeholders. Next, the COG leads a series of meetings with each of the multi-town
regional planning groups. Three meetings are held within each region during this step. The effort will
involve:
1. Meeting to discuss flood risk and vulnerability results and initial solution discussions. Include
discussion of any potential regional solutions. An evaluation is conducted to determine if
additional higher resolution modeling is needed in some areas; a select number of these move
forward pending resource availability.
2. Meeting to present the Blueprint Tool in the form of a short training workshop. Local
governments may use the tool to help develop further ideas. Local governments or their
designee will also begin adding resiliency action proposals to the Blueprint Tool.
3. Meeting to finalize proposed resiliency and mitigation options for each region and finalize
regional proposals. Resiliency actions are added to the Blueprint Tool.
The results from these meetings, along with data identified or developed, are the foundations of the
River Basin Action Strategy.
Step 4 – Action Review and Adjustment (approximately 2 months): After actions are identified,
Town A and Town B work to complete and refine project data for integration into the Blueprint Tool.
In Town A, the Blueprint Program staff assists representatives in filling any action data gaps and
uploading to the Blueprint Tool. With more local government resources available, Town B completes
this process independently. At the end of this step, both Town A and Town B have a set of complete
Action Profiles within the Blueprint Tool.
Step 5 – Action Analysis and Ranking (approximately 1 month): NCDEQ and the River Basin
Advisory Group review, sort, and rank the proposed resiliency actions, including regional projects.
Step 6 – River Basin Action Strategy (report development starting earlier in the process and draft
report prepared approximately 3 months after final basin-wide ranking): NCDEQ generates a 5-
year River Basin Action Strategy based on the preceding data collection, analysis, stakeholder input,
and resiliency action development. Within the Blueprint Tool, Action Profiles are created for Town A
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and Town B and all other communities in the basin. They include all prioritized actions, key
performance indicators, and potential funding options.
Step 7 – Action Implementation (continuous): Select actions identified in the Action Profiles for
Town A and Town B are funded through a combination of federal grant funding, Blueprint funding,
and other state funding programs. Town B may also pursue certain actions on their own through their
Capital Improvements Plan or self-procured grants. NCDEQ assigns a Blueprint Project Manager to
support implementation of approved actions for the Town A. Town B assigns a local Project Manager
and hires an engineering firm. The project managers input data and metrics into the Blueprint Tool for
progress tracking and reporting. Blueprint staff reviews this information and signs off on any updates.
Step 8 – Program and Project Accountability (continuous): The Blueprint Project Manager tracks
action progress against the River Basin Action Strategy using the Blueprint Tool. This reporting is
publicly available on the Blueprint Tool so that communities can compare Action Profiles and
progress. This information feeds into Step 1 of the next cycle of action strategy development.
Additional studies identified during strategy development are pursued.

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4 Blueprint Recommendations
The recommendations provided in this section are necessary steps to implementing the Blueprint
program and ensuring its long-term success. The recommendations will be used by NCDEQ and its
partners to implement the Blueprint. These recommendations are derived from input provided by
TAG and PAG members, NCDEQ staff, and vendors and were approved by NCDEQ leadership. Table 4-1
shows a summary of the recommendations and their approximate timeline.
Table 4-1. Summary Crosswalk of Recommendations with Approximate Timeline
Recommendation Year 1 -
2024
Year 2
- 2025
Year 3 -
2026
Year 4 -
2027
Year 5 -
2028
Program
Development
• Integrate Other Flood Resiliency
Strategies into the Blueprint’s
Planning Process and the
Blueprint Tool
✓ ✓
• Create and Administer
Stakeholder Engagement
Programming
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• Build the Blueprint’s Staffing
Capacity ✓ ✓ ✓
• Integrate Lessons Learned from
Peer State Programs into the
Blueprint
✓ ✓
• Evaluate Options for a Blueprint
Oversight Group ✓ ✓
• Create a Nature-Based
Solutions Policy Digest ✓ ✓
Tool
Development
• Implement Lessons Learned
from Existing Online Flood
Mitigation Decision-Support
Tools
✓
• Use the Best Available Data for
the Flood Resiliency Blueprint
Tool and Planning Process
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• Use Advanced Technologies
Where Appropriate ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• Update Statewide Datasets
Relevant to the Blueprint ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Characterizing
Flooding
• Partner with NCEM and NCDOT
to Conduct 2-D Future
Conditions Flood Modeling
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• Use a Two-Tiered Approach to
Flood Modeling ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• Study the Benefits of Natural
Assets for Flood Reduction, ✓
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Flood Storage, and Flood
Dispersion
Workflow
Implementation
& River Basin
Strategy
Development
• Implement a 5-Year Cycle for
Action Strategies ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• Develop and Implement a Data
Quality Review Process ✓ ✓
• Update Tool with Resiliency
Action Plan Project Information
Annually
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• Create River Basin Advisory
Groups for Each River Basin ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• Conduct Basin-Specific
Financial and Technical
Capacity Needs Assessments
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• Provide Support to Under-
Resourced Communities
Throughout the
Implementation of the
Blueprint
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Project Ranking
• Develop a Dynamic Resiliency
Project Ranking Methodology ✓ ✓
• Incorporate Local Priorities into
Project Ranking ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Financing and
Funding
• Integrate Identified Funding
Sources ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• Develop a Compensation
Program for the Agricultural
Community Based on the Use of
Farmland for Flood Storage and
Reduction
✓ ✓
• Implement Multiple Finance
and Organizational Approaches
to Address Local Stormwater
Programs
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• Provide Grant Opportunities to
Establish Stormwater Programs ✓ ✓ ✓
• Incentivize Multipurpose and
Multi-benefit Solutions ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• Coordinate State-Funded
Projects Through the Flood
Resiliency Blueprint
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Pilot Project
Implementation
• Complete Implementation of
Stoney Creek Pilot Projects ✓ ✓
• Explore Agency Partnerships for
Implementation ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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• Implement Pilot Flood
Resiliency Projects from River
Basin Action Strategies
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

This section includes priority recommendations that have been developed in Phase I of the Blueprint
based on comprehensive inventory, review, and analysis of existing data, programs, and efforts and
the feedback of over 150 technical advisory group members representing local, state, and federal
groups, NGOs, private business, agriculture and forestry, and academic experts. There are additional
recommendations found in the Phase I, Task 3 reports.
4.1 Program Development
Taking the Blueprint from a draft framework to cost-effective resiliency project prioritization and
implementation that meets the needs of the state and local communities will require additional
actions. Some of the key actions related to program development include integrating strategies and
lessons learned from other planning efforts and peer state programs, working with partners on
stakeholder and community engagement, hiring and training Blueprint staff, determining long-term
advisory and decision authorities, and providing guidance on potential project methodologies.
4.1.1 Integrate Other Flood Resiliency Strategies into the Blueprint’s
Planning Process and the Blueprint Tool
Description
Flood resiliency strategies are being developed and implemented across North Carolina by local,
tribal, state, and federal agencies. The existing strategies are detailed in Phase I reports including the
Existing Inventory of Toolkit Flood Resiliency Strategies (Subtask 2.7) and Recommendations for
Integrating Federal, State, and Regional Flood Resiliency Efforts (Subtask 3.3). Examples include the US
Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) Flood Risk Management Program, the NC Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services’ Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program, and regional hazard
mitigation plans. These strategies are based on detailed, technical planning intended to identify areas
with the most critical needs and solutions. Many local North Carolina communities have extensive
stormwater and flood management programs. Regions create hazard mitigation plans, plans
responding to specific hazard events, and community resilience programs for recovery, economic,
and environmental resilience. Existing state programs are also actively working to address state
flooding through floodplain mapping, mitigation planning, risk assessments, resiliency planning, and
project implementation. Federal strategies include funding programs, mitigation support, mapping,
geospatial analysis, data compilation, policy, regulation, and project proposals. The Blueprint should
integrate, complement, and leverage these existing flood resiliency efforts into the program and in
River Basin Action Strategies.
There are a number of potential touchpoints in the Blueprint Workflow for integrating existing
strategies into the planning process. The first and most critical is Step 1: Actionable Data Collection,
Modeling, and Analysis. This includes a robust and comprehensive inventory and evaluation of
existing flood resilience information and other ongoing flood resiliency strategies for each river basin.
NCDEQ will work with the owners and developers of these strategies to incorporate them into the
planning process and the Blueprint Tool. Examples include relevant programs such as grant
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opportunities, projects, more refined local policies, updated modeling and data, and cost projections.
Examples of sources of existing data include the State Hazard Mitigation Plan, regional Hazard
Mitigation Plans, the North Carolina Climate Risk Assessment and Resilience Plan, related local Capital
Improvement Plans, NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency’s (NCORR) Regions Innovating for Strong
Economies and Environment (RISE) program efforts, NCDEQ Division of Coastal Management (DCM)
resiliency planning (e.g., Resilient Coastal Communities Program), and the NCDOT Resilience Strategy
Report. This data will be combined with additional proposed actions. Further opportunities to identify
and incorporate this information are in the stakeholder and community outreach and other steps.
Justification
Existing programs within other state agencies and local governments should be integrated into the
Blueprint implementation process and Blueprint Tool to prevent duplication and promoted
collaboration. Coordination will make it easier to align funding and planning efforts across the state
which should result in well-planned resiliency actions that are more likely to receive full funding, gain
comprehensive support, and be implemented successfully.
Alternatives Considered
These recommendations were based on a robust inventory and analysis of existing flood resilience
efforts within the state and a review of the approaches of other states. Each effort had slightly
different approaches but ultimately follow long-standing watershed planning and project
implementation practices of various scales.
Critical Dependencies: Relevant previous planning efforts must be identified and incorporated using
the Review of Statewide Planning Efforts with Flood Resilience Recommendations (Subtask 1.7) report
identifying recommendations from existing plans during the development of each River Basin Action
Strategy.
4.1.2 Create and Administer Stakeholder Engagement Programming
Description
Community and stakeholder outreach is a central element of the Blueprint. Initial stakeholder
engagement will take place during Workflow Step 2 with kick-off meetings and a focus on data
collection and receiving local insight. However, stakeholder engagement should be a continuous
thread throughout the planning process. Further, NCDEQ will develop a broader communication
strategy to reach across sectors and the general public. As a first step in this effort, a Blueprint website
has been developed that houses information and documents, including the foundational reports
developed during Phase I, and other information developed for the program.
As part of River Basin Action Strategy development, NCDEQ will develop an outreach and engagement
plan to support and facilitate an effective watershed-based planning process. This will include
working with the River Basing Advisory Group to develop strategies for engaging a diverse group of
private, public, and non-profit representatives; engaging large audiences; educating the public; and
ensuring traditionally under-represented communities are meaningfully engaged, as well as
implementing feedback from stakeholders. Communities will have the ability to choose who
represents them in the Blueprint planning process (e.g., themselves, a regional entity such as a COG,
another entity or organization they delegate, etc.). NCDEQ may partner with other government
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entities or non-profit organizations to help facilitate stakeholder engagement. The engagement plan
will involve messaging to stakeholders and a series of sessions to initiate the River Basin Action
Strategy planning process. When appropriate and as resources allow, professional facilitation will be
used to ensure effective participation. After the kickoff event, meetings will transition to focus on
engaging stakeholders on flood risk planning and solution development. The process will be iterative
and collaborative, with reoccurring loops in engagement until the Action Profiles are completed and
ready for inclusion in the final River Basin Action Strategy.
Justification
Community resilience does not happen without active participation of local communities themselves.
The Blueprint’s successes will depend on how well stakeholders and communities are involved and
meaningfully engaged in the process. In addition, throughout Phase I, local governments expressed
concerns over their capacity to participate in the Blueprint. For under-resourced communities, NCDEQ
will need to provide capacity support so that they can effectively participate.
Alternatives Considered
These recommendations were based on a robust inventory and analysis of existing flood resilience
efforts within the state and a review of the approaches of other states. Each had slightly different
approaches but ultimately follow long-standing stakeholder engagement professional practices of
various scales.
Critical Dependencies: NCDEQ must approve a stakeholder engagement plan and secure resources
to facilitate the process and conduct meetings.
4.1.3 Build the Blueprint’s Staffing Capacity
Description
The Blueprint Phase I results indicate that the most effective way to fully implement the legislative
requirements for the Blueprint is with additional full-time staff committed to building the state’s flood
resiliency. The concerns expressed by local governments over their capacity included a focus on
participation in the River Basin Action Strategies, utilization of the tool, and implementation of flood
resilience projects. NCDEQ has a long history of leveraging the private sector to increase capacity.
NCDEQ recommends development of a small program team to implement the Blueprint and provide
local support, with the private sector augmenting staff efforts. This would allow the Blueprint to
increase state and community resilience while keeping staff levels to a minimum and engaging the
private sector.
As the Blueprint strategies are developed and implemented in river basins across the state, the
amount of work to develop River Basin Action Strategies and move to project implementation
increases substantially. A fulltime staff will be required to adequately serve the Blueprint across the
North Carolina. The position recommendations assume staffing over the course of the next five years.
This is in line with peer states that have similar programs.
• Program Manager: A Blueprint Program Manager will oversee a wide variety of administrative
duties, strategic planning, policy initiative, program development and maintenance, technical
oversight, operations, action strategy development and implementation, partner relations, and
contractual services associated with the program. This position will ensure that the program is
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efficiently and effectively supporting communities and stakeholders in the development and
implementation of the program vision and requirements.
• Currently, the position is time-limited. Recurring funds would improve NCDEQ’s ability to attract
and retain quality candidates.
• Project Managers: Several Blueprint Project Managers will serve as the program point of contact
with communities on policy, process, resources, action reporting and evaluation, and funding.
The project managers will provide hands-on guidance for action strategy development,
implementation, and reporting of assigned river basins with a focus on community engagement
and coordination and efficient project implementation.
• Currently six time-limited positions are funded. Recurring funds would improve NCDEQ’s ability to
attract and retain quality candidates. The six positions are adequate to develop the next five River
Basin Action Strategies. However, as those strategies are implemented and new strategies are
developed, additional positions will be needed.
• Grant Administrators: Accessing federal and private grants for project implementation will save
the state and local governments millions of dollars. However, grant application and reporting
requirements are time-consuming. Two Blueprint Grant Administrators are needed to provide
oversight, coordination, and hands-on management of all grants that have been selected for
pursuit. With the volume of anticipated grants identified by different communities, contractual
services may be established to provide additional grant management services. Of the two grant
administrators, one position will be more senior with the additional responsibility of managing
the grants management contractual services.
• Information Technology (IT) Analyst: The Blueprint Tool is data-intensive and will need frequent
updates and maintenance. An IT Analyst will perform these duties and provide training on the
Blueprint Tool for state and local users. The position will assist with questions around the
Blueprint Tool as well as any access or system questions.
Justification
All peer states with similar programs that were evaluated for the Blueprint created a program and
hired staff to build and maintain the program. A consistent theme heard from communities is that
they have limited capacity to develop, fund, and implement flood resilience projects and strategies.
NCDEQ staff can help bridge those capacity deficits. The six Blueprint Project Manager positions are
needed to cover the next five basins and other Year 1 and 2 activities. The basins included in Years 1
and 2 are: Cape Fear, Tar-Pamlico, White Oak, Lumberton, and French Broad. After that, additional
project managers will be needed support the needs of other basins as they are added. A grant function
is recommended and embedded in the Workflow. This position works with the local communities to
assist in managing grants, projects, and capacity-building of small communities that do not have the
capacity to manage their Blueprint needs.
Alternatives Considered
Many approaches were considered to determine how the Blueprint can best serve the needs of the
state. Ultimately it was determined that a small team supplemented by private contractor services
and with partnerships with state, regional, and nonprofit entities was the most effective way to deliver
flood resilience improvement for communities across the state. The level of staffing needs will vary
over time and should be revisited annually.
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Critical Dependencies: Position funding and contracts for support rely on General Assembly funding.
4.1.4 Integrate Lessons Learned from Peer State Programs into the Blueprint
Description
Several other states have gone through a process of designing flood resilience funding programs that
use various datasets, models, and platforms for decision-making, with similar intended outcomes to
those of the Blueprint. These programs are documented in detail in the Peer State Flood Resiliency
Programs (Subtask 1.5) report. A few takeaways from the effort include 1) building flood resilience is a
complicated issue with no silver bullet; 2) it is an expensive endeavor that requires long term
commitment; 3) to make the best decisions takes robust data, modeling, analysis, and solution
development; 4) there is a tradeoff in accuracy of analysis vs. time and money to implement projects;
and 5) their programs have revealed lessons learned that will be useful to NCDEQ and Blueprint staff
in the implementation of North Carolina’s own program. Additional elements that were reviewed
included what modeling approach was selected, the timing of data collection and modeling vs. timing
of action implementation, the role of governance and watershed regional groups, long-term
maintenance of the program, and funding models and how decisions are made. North Carolina
continues to participate in several peer-to-peer flood resilience groups, including with neighboring
states, so that all can continue to learn from each other.
Justification
Some similar programs have already started to be developed or have been developed in peer states,
and lessons learned have been collected through a review of their published content and one-on-one
interviews. NCDEQ has used these resources to help identify program elements that have been
effective as well as issues that might be avoided.
Alternatives Considered
No alternatives were considered.
Critical Dependencies: NCDEQ, supported by the PAG, TAG and the consultant team, will choose
which lessons learned from peer states to integrate into the Blueprint.
4.1.5 Evaluate Options for a Blueprint Oversight Group
Description
Several peer states have created or added flood resiliency responsibilities to existing water
management entities. Some states have advisory committees with limited decision-making
responsibilities. Some states have boards with broad decision authority. NCDEQ should evaluate
options for a formal advisory or oversight group to assist NCDEQ and local communities in approving
Blueprint funding decisions and aiding in program refinement. To evaluate and create this group in a
timely manner that does not impede Blueprint implementation, a two-phase approach is
recommended:
Phase 1: Use the existing PAG and TAGs as the foundation for a similar, smaller group of advising
experts. NCDEQ will be the decision authority for distributing the current $96 million in available
implementation funding.
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Phase 2: Evaluate options for a formal Oversight Group. The evaluation should explore the types of
authority (e.g., limits to policy, technical, funding, project approval decisions) and structure (e.g.,
representation and selection of members).
Justification
Since the inception of the Blueprint, stakeholder and partner engagement has been an essential piece
of program development. The PAG and TAGs have contributed invaluable expertise and guidance–
this engagement should move forward into the Blueprint’s implementation.
A formal Blueprint Oversight group may help long-term success by providing a consistent decision
authority to provide approval of major policy and funding decisions.
Alternatives Considered
All options and considerations on how to create the group are still available.
Critical Dependencies: Legislative approval will be required to create a formal Oversight Group if that
approach is recommended.
4.1.6 Create a Nature-Based Solutions Policy Digest
Description
In accordance with guidance from Conservation International on implementing green and gray
infrastructure, the state should develop and maintain a policy digest that documents existing laws
and regulations related to Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), identifies potential modifications to remove
barriers to implementation, and showcases relevant examples and research, building on the work that
has already been done in the state.13 Examples of work already taking place in North Carolina that can
support the Blueprint’s efforts include the Natural Infrastructure Flood Mitigation Program (NIFMP),
watershed planning, and NC Coastal Federation’s Action Plan for Nature-Based Stormwater
Strategies.14
Justification
No comprehensive summary of policies and practices affecting the adoption of NBS currently exists
for North Carolina. This resource will help to bridge the gap in knowledge and enhance the
implementation of NBS methods where applicable and appropriate.
Alternatives Considered
Different types and means to create and distribute this policy digest are being considered.
Critical Dependencies: Additional funding may be required for experts to develop and maintain the
Digest.

13 “Global Green-Gray Community of Practice,” Conservation International, https://www.conservation.org/projects/global-
green-gray-community-of-practice.
14 Action Plan for Nature-Based Stormwater Strategies: Promoting Natural Designs that Reduce Flooding and Improve Water
Quality In North Carolina, March 2021, https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/NBSS-Action-Plan.pdf.
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4.2 Tool Development
Development of the Flood Resiliency Blueprint Tool is the primary focus of Phase II of the Blueprint.
Throughout the development and implementation of the Blueprint Tool, there will be many
considerations incorporated in order to make it as useful and successful as possible in allowing
decision-makers at all levels and other end users to assess current and future flood risk and
vulnerability, identify and prioritize flood resiliency solutions, understand funding options, and track
project implementation. Necessary considerations include building on lessons learned from existing
online decision-support tools, ensuring the use of best available data, exploring utilization of
advanced technologies, and supporting updates to relevant statewide datasets.
4.2.1 Implement Lessons Learned from Existing Online Flood Mitigation
Decision-Support Tools
Description
Several existing online flood mitigation decision-support tools are already being used to support risk
reduction, increase resilience, and implement mitigation projects both in North Carolina and other
states. These programs and tools are detailed in the Identification and Evaluation of Online Mitigation
Decision-Making Support Tools (Subtask 2.10) report. Lessons from these tools, which are operating at
various scales from countywide to statewide, were included in the initial Phase II Blueprint Tool work
plan and will continue to be used in the development of the Blueprint Tool. Important lessons include
the following:
• The tool should be a repository of flood resiliency data and updated on an ongoing basis.
• Decision-support functionality should be a key component of the tool.
• The Blueprint Tool and its data should be accessible to all North Carolina communities
regardless of their local capacity.
• A diverse range of recommended resiliency actions and project types, including structural and
nonstructural mitigation, nature-based solutions, and other approaches, should be included
in the Blueprint Tool to allow comparison and selection of the best project to fit the problem.
• Standards for quantifying hazard risks, impacts, and project benefits should be included in the
Blueprint Tool so that action comparisons and scenarios can be made on a consistent
foundation.
• Localized priorities should be incorporated.
• Flexible inputs would allow for change over time as actions are being developed, planned, and
compared.
• The tool should incorporate future condition projections developed from large-scale 2-D
modeling and corresponding analysis functions.
• Modeling should be performed outside of the Blueprint Tool with results fed into it. Model
runs require enormous computational capacity—a small catchment can take 30 minutes on a
super-computer to run. Keeping the two data tools within separate databases will enhance
the user experience with the Blueprint Tool.
• The Blueprint Tool should be easy to use with minimal training.
• The Blueprint Tool should include a manual and tutorial videos, and the rollout should include
workshops for broad acceptance by the user and the public.
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• Additional decision-support tools and approaches should be reviewed in Phase II to support
tool development and understand the full suite of functionality options.
Justification
North Carolina is experiencing many of the same problems that other coastal and riverine areas in the
country are because people find it desirable to be located near water resources. Any prototype
lessons that can be implemented from existing tools will help NCDEQ conduct a smoother, more
comprehensive rollout of the Blueprint Tool.
Alternatives Considered
No alternatives were considered. Lessons learned from other example tools were always intended to
be part of the Blueprint development.
Critical Dependencies: NCDEQ must decide which lessons learned to incorporate into the Blueprint.
This will occur during Phase II Tool development. Additional tools may be reviewed or created to
support tool development.
4.2.2 Use the Best Available Data for the Flood Resiliency Blueprint Tool and
Planning Process
Description
Initial incorporation and long-term maintenance of the Blueprint Tool dataset is required for
adequate and accurate data to inform the planning process and resiliency action development. There
are many datasets required. Examples include topographic data, building data, critical
infrastructure/key resources, statewide risk scores for building and transportation assets, and
statewide transportation hydraulic crossing datasets, in addition to output from 2-D modeling. Efforts
by the North Carolina Geographic Information Coordinating Council (GICC)— which coordinates
geographic information with state, local, regional, and federal partners, universities, utilities, and the
private sector— will assist in maintaining the accuracy and completeness of data for the Blueprint
Tool and planning process. The GICC develops geospatial data standards and policies to make
geospatial information for the state more accurate, accessible, regulated, and reliable. It also
promotes collaboration to avoid duplication of effort. Many of the datasets listed above are included
in the framework datasets for the state and have a primary owner, standards, and a method to
determine needs of the data. Extensive collaboration with partnering agencies through the
committees of the GICC, such as the State Government GIS Users Committee (SGUC), Statewide
Mapping Advisory Committee, and the Local Government Committee are paramount to coordinating
needs of data across the state and ensuring the most accurate dataset is being used. SGUC members
maintain most of the datasets mentioned in this document. Additionally, many local governments
create data and models, and these need to be reviewed and potentially included in the Blueprint Tool.
Justification
Datasets must be maintained and frequently updated to capture changes within each river basin that
impact flood resilience, such as new development, in order to maintain the accuracy of the Blueprint
Tool.
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Alternatives Considered
Further alternatives and methods for maintaining data within the Blueprint Tool will be considered in
Phase II of the Blueprint.
Critical Dependencies: None.
4.2.3 Use Advanced Technologies Where Appropriate
Artificial Intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) is a growing area of research and implementation
across sectors. In future, it may decrease the time and costs of watershed modeling and improve
comparative analysis and data development and analysis. However, it has not been sufficiently
developed for incorporation into the Blueprint at this time. The Recommendations for the Utilization of
AI/ML to Inform Blueprint (Subtask 3.11) report goes into detail on how to ensure the potential
integration of AI technology into the Blueprint program and processes. AI integration is something
that should be considered for the future but currently should be used sparingly as the standards and
guidance around this technology are still being determined.
4.2.3.1 Develop a Data Governance Strategy
Description
Establish a data governance strategy to ensure the data foundation is mature enough to apply AI
technologies. A framework would be comprised of four overarching components: 1) Data Strategy,
which is further broken down by Data Requirements, Data Management, Data Quality, and Data Use
Analytics; 2) Responsibilities and Skills; 3) Policies and Governance Model; and 4) Information and
Technology and Systems. More details can be found in the Recommendations for the Utilization of
AI/ML to Inform Blueprint (Subtask 3.11) report.
Justification
Data governance can ensure accessibility, usability, relevance, accuracy, timeliness, and integration of
Blueprint data to support decision-making with a reliable data pipeline. A well-established data
governance framework can improve data transparency and fill in the knowledge gaps within multiple
entities.
Alternatives Considered
Specific alternatives for the use of AI are not ready to be considered. As the Blueprint moves forward,
AI will be further evaluated.
4.2.3.2 Improve Data Sharing & Interagency Collaboration
Description
Using natural language processes may improve data sharing among agencies and the public. With a
mature data foundation, a chatbot can be developed to be a resource to provide potentially useful
information for a variety of end goals. For example, deploying a chatbot on a website which can serve
as a virtual assistant to help with the onboarding of new staff by directing them to follow a process to
complete their daily task. The single database behind the chatbot can ensure the information is
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consistent across the board to all new staff, which can avoid miscommunication or incorrect training
instructions.
The foundation of the Blueprint Tool is good data, including geospatial data. The GICC has been and
will continue to be engaged in the Blueprint and may be able provide advice on AI in the future.
Justification
The use of natural language processes can improve the decision-making transparency and reduce the
miscommunication among agencies.
Alternatives Considered
Alternatives for the use of AI in this function are under consideration and will be updated pending
more information on the topic becoming available concerning integration of data and tools.
4.2.3.3 Use AI/ML to Fill Data Gaps
Description
Rich model input data can improve modeling accuracy and provide more precise flood hazard
analysis. Some datasets used to support model set-up and parameterization have gaps in both time
and space. Methods for data processing that incorporates machine learning could be used to fill those
gaps in some situations.
Justification
Image processing or machine learning will improve data collection, data acquisition, data quality
control, and data analytics process.
Alternatives Considered
Alternatives for use of AI in this function are under consideration and will be updated pending more
information on the topic becoming available concerning integration of data and tools.
4.2.4 Update Statewide Datasets Relevant to the Blueprint
Description
In addition to the data collection and identified gaps in the Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling Gap
Analysis (Subtask 2.4), the following are standardized statewide datasets that should be developed or
updated as soon as practical (see Table 4-2). These datasets will be needed for future phases and river
basins for the statewide implementation of the Blueprint.
Table 4-2: State Datasets Recommended for Development or Update
Statewide
Dataset Description / Recommendation
Statewide High
Resolution
Topographic
Data
North Carolina should continue to provide annual updates to the Light Detecting and Ranging (lidar)
datasets statewide, including continuing to enhance the lidar / remote-sensed derivative products to
include classified building outlines, roadways, and bridges. This will allow for semi-automated
extraction of building polygons, and 3-D road elevation datasets for risk assessment and disaster
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Statewide
Dataset Description / Recommendation
response. Remote-sensed lidar data should be leveraged to develop or enhance land use / land cover
datasets as well as impervious coverage datasets statewide. These datasets should be maintained on
a frequency synchronized with the lidar phases.
Bathymetry Detailed knowledge of nearshore and inshore river bathymetry is necessary for many geospatial data
applications in coastal areas and inland areas. One vital dataset for modeling and risk assessment is
the development of seamless, topo bathymetric digital elevation models. These digital elevation
models integrate multi-sensor, topographic and bathymetric datasets to provide a base layer for
coastal analysis applications such as storm surge and wave height modeling, flood hazard
determination, wetland mapping and monitoring, sea level rise assessment, benthic habitat
mapping, erosion monitoring, and storm impact assessments. Updates and new data collection are
necessary across the state.
Building Data A critical geospatial dataset in flood mitigation planning is building footprint data and the associated
building level attributes. This dataset is a useful tool in performing flood risk assessments, risk
scoring, and determining the benefits and effectiveness of various structural and nonstructural flood
mitigation alternatives.
North Carolina is currently updating the statewide building footprint database using lidar and other
technologies. North Carolina should update and enhance the building footprint dataset to include the
following minimum attributes for each building contained in proximity to a special flood hazard area
or North Carolina Advisory flood hazard areas: first floor elevation measurements, lowest adjacent
grade elevation from lidar, highest adjacent grade elevation from lidar, occupancy type, building
type, number of stories, foundation type, age of structure, and information on valuation.
Critical
Infrastructure /
Key Resources
Critical infrastructure includes those assets, systems, networks, and functions—physical or virtual—
which are vital to the State of North Carolina such that their incapacitation or destruction would have
a debilitating impact on security, economic security, public health or safety, or any combination of
those matters. North Carolina should conduct a detailed gap analysis of existing Critical
Infrastructure and Key Resources datasets available at the statewide and countywide scale. The
results of this gap analysis will be a recommendation for dataset enhancements. North Carolina
should develop the geospatial data layer for Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources statewide.
Statewide Risk
“Scores” for
Buildings and
Transportation
Assets
The Blueprint recommends that a flood risk score be established for every building within the pilot
Neuse River Basin and eventually statewide. This building-specific flood risk score would be possible
given the updated building statewide dataset discussed previously in this document and the
recommended statewide fluvial and pluvial modeling as recommended by the Blueprint. These flood
risk scores would provide an objective metric of flood risk for each building and could be aggregated
for sub-basins, counties, municipal limits etc. for risk assessment and mitigation alternative analysis.
The cumulative or aggregated flood risk scores would serve as a baseline for flood resilience progress
tracking and metric based goals for communities, river basins, and statewide. A model for a similar
implementation would be Mecklenburg County’s Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction dataset and
tools.
In addition to the building-based flood risk score, transportation assets could be scored based on
roadway classification, flooding probability, and depth. These Transportation Flood Risk Scores
could be applied to at-risk segments of road. Flood mitigation alternatives can be evaluated based on
any benefit from reductions in flooding along at-risk transportation corridors. These Transportation
Flood Risk Scores can be cumulated or aggregated similar to the building level flood risk scores for
baseline conditions and flood resilience progress tracking.
Statewide
Transportation
Hydraulic
Crossing
Dataset, and
Others
The Blueprint recommends a pilot program to enhance the existing NCDOT hydraulic structure
inventory for the Neuse River Basin. This dataset would be enhanced with data from best available
sources and/or field-collected data as needed. Key information will be collected for each hydraulic
crossing to aid in the cost-effective development of baseline modeling for flood mitigation.
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Statewide
Dataset Description / Recommendation
Other Datasets Data on the vicinity to hazardous materials (Underground Storage Tanks or other) and high hazard
dams should be considered as part of risk score and flood solution development. Higher resolution
land cover datasets will also be useful for the Blueprint planning process; data is currently available
for areas of the coast and NCDEQ and partners are currently evaluating extending the collection to
the rest of the state. Incorporation of drainage district infrastructure where absent should be
included in the appropriate datasets above.

Having these standardized, statewide datasets developed and supported, at least in part, by the
Blueprint will save state, regional and local government significant time and funds as well as help to
bridge the resource gap between urban and rural communities.
Planning-level cost estimates are provided in the Statewide Dataset Recommendations (Subtask 3.9).
Alternatives Considered
None.
Critical Dependencies: NCDEQ will finalize the dataset inputs for the Blueprint Tool as part of Phase
II.
Currently available datasets will be used for the tool development, and they will be updated as new
datasets are developed. The more accurate the data, the more accurate and higher functioning the
Blueprint Tool will be. The state should invest in these datasets which can be used by most of its
agencies, private companies, and communities for their planning and project development purposes.
4.3 Characterizing Flooding
There are many types and sources of flooding that create negative impacts to human safety,
structures, infrastructure, business and public operations, and the environment. These sources of
flooding may occur independently, but often occur concurrently with each other. Sources of flooding
in North Carolina can include:
• Riverine (fluvial)
• Excess rainfall-based flooding independent of an overflowing waterbody (pluvial)
• Urban stormwater
• Flash
• Dam and levee breach
• Coastal flooding including storm surge
• Flooding exacerbated by sea level rise (including associated storm sewer surcharges or sunny
day flooding)
• Other secondary flooding sources including groundwater, ice jams, log jams, beaver dams,
overland ponding, agriculture/mine flooding
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4.3.1 Partner with NCEM and NCDOT to Conduct 2-D Future Conditions Flood
Modeling
Description
NC Emergency Management (NCEM), NCDOT, and NCDEQ are all working on projects that require
watershed modeling. These agencies participated in the TAGs and PAG and recognize the
compounding effectiveness of pooling modeling needs and resources. A specific area where this
approach will be effective is in the generation of 2-D future conditions flood modeling.
The North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program’s (NCFMP) statewide regulatory modeling dataset is
predominantly comprised of one-dimensional Hydrologic Engineering Center-River Analysis System
(HEC-RAS) models for riverine areas and Advanced Circulation models for coastal areas. These
datasets are updated on an annual cycle, though funding for updates each year covers a relatively
small percentage of the state. Models are based on the best available topography (light detecting and
ranging [lidar]) and bathymetry available at the time of the model development and include either
field survey or measurements of hydraulic structures (bridges, culverts, dams) depending on the level
of detail implemented.
In 2020, the NCFMP began working to develop advisory (i.e., non-regulatory) two-dimensional
modeling, floodplain mapping, and risk assessments to provide enhanced awareness of potential
fluvial and pluvial flooding beyond the limits of the 1-D models (see Figure 4-1) of the current
regulatory program as well as the evaluation of extreme events and future conditions. Figure 4-1
shows the advisory mapping (purple) overlaid with regulatory mapping (grey) available in NCFMP's
Advisory 2-D Flood Viewer.

Figure 4-1: Advisory Mapping Compared with Regulatory Mapping from in NCFMP's Advisory 2-D Flood
Viewer
The Blueprint will incorporate the following recommendations with respect to large-scale 2-D
Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) modeling approaches:
• Use 2-D H&H modeling methods as the basis for Blueprint modeling efforts using the open-
access HEC-RAS model (and associated RAS Mapper GIS) and the rain-on-grid approach that
integrates hydrology and hydraulics in the same model platform. These models are at the
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hydraulic unit code (HUC)-10 scale and address both fluvial and pluvial flooding (see
Figure 4-2.
• Leverage available HEC-RAS model geometry developed from field surveys of channels and
hydraulic structures that are available in the NCFMP FLOOD database to implement targeted
and scalable improvements to base-level 2-D models.
• There is a need to have connectivity between HUC-10 models, the mainstem, and the larger
river basin. The modeling should be configured in a way that allows mainstem flow to
propagate downstream and provides valid flood impact results for the mainstem within the
model. There are different options and approaches to achieve this, and these should be
addressed in coordination with NCFMP as more 2-D modeling is conducted.
• Use 2-D HEC-RAS models to evaluate basin-wide effects of implementing potential
resiliency/mitigation strategies at different recurrence intervals within targeted basins.
• Model mitigation alternatives should include a full suite of various structural, nonstructural,
traditional and green stormwater, and nature-based alternatives.
• Develop building-level risk assessments and perform benefit-cost analyses for potential
mitigation strategies.
• The Blueprint should consider modeling events such as 20, 10, 4, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.2, and 0.1 (5-, 10-,
25-, 50-, 100-, 200-, 500-, and 1,000-year) events, as well as buildout scenarios. The final events
selected and modeled will be determined by staffs of the Blueprint and NCFMP.
• The FEMA Freeboard Value Approach will also be considered. This includes the elevation and
flood hazard area that result from adding an additional 2 feet to the 1% flood elevation for
non-critical actions and by adding an additional 3 feet to the 1% flood elevation for critical
actions.
• Future climate scenarios: NCDOT and NC State University conducted research on future
precipitation extremes in North Carolina by assessing future precipitation through the
utilization of scaling factors. To incorporate the entire spectrum of scale factors in North
Carolina, four climate scenarios (10, 30, 50 and 70% increase of 1% rainfall depth) were chosen
based on the range of scale factors for mean and upper bounds in RCP4.5 mid-century and
RCP8.5 end-century projections. The final scenarios will be determined by staffs of the
Blueprint and NCFMP and a reevaluation conducted once Atlas 15 is available for North
Carolina.
• Partner with NCFMP and others as appropriate to develop models jointly to reduce
redundancy, contracting administration, and costs. Completed models and their output
should be made publicly available through the most appropriate platform, which may include
the Blueprint Tool among others.
• The models should be used to develop flood risk information and, where possible, as a basis
to propose and evaluate potential flood risk solutions and resiliency actions, including
regional solutions as well as those at the community scale. There may be some cases where
more detailed modeling of certain hot spots is needed to fully formulate a solution that is
sufficiently detailed and grant-ready (see two-tiered approach recommendation in Subsection
4.3.2).
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Figure 4-2: HUC-10 Basin Scale Shown Above in Green
4.3.1.1 Coastal Modeling
Modeling along the coast requires additional considerations such as tidal effects, storm surge, sea
level rise, overland waves, erosion and runup. Further, these interact with riverine flow from upstream
to create compound flooding events where there are multiple sources of flooding. While North
Carolina has a number of existing modeling studies along the coast, there is a need to create a
seamless, updated set of coastal models at a resolution appropriate for the Blueprint planning
process. For example, the USACE South Atlantic Coastal Study is relatively recent but was conducted
at a resolution that is too coarse for Blueprint utilization.15 Other available data is dated.
A rough planning level estimate to conduct this type of work ranges between $3M-$6M depending on
the specific features of the effort and how linkage to inland modeling is achieved and conducted.
Advanced Circulation Model (ADCIRC) may be most appropriate tool for this effort; however, a
thorough model selection/confirmation step should be conducted. Such an effort is funding
dependent. In the meantime, a more limited approach will be used initially in the Neuse that
leverages previous approaches that are part of the NCFMP regulatory program. The approach uses
earlier NCFMP storm surge data and overland wave modeling flood boundaries and rasters. Interim
considerations of sea level rise could include use of information from the NCEM 2014 Sea Level Rise
study.16

15 “South Atlantic Coastal Study,” US Army Corps of Engineers, August 2022, https://www.sad.usace.army.mil/SACS/.
16 “North Carolina Sea Level Rise Impact Study,” North Carolina Emergency Management – Geospatial and Technology
Management, June 2014,

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Justification
The justifications for the completing the 2-D modeling for the Neuse River Basin and the remaining
river basins statewide are as follows:
Age of Study: As identified in the Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling Gap Analysis (Subtask 2.4)
conducted for the Blueprint, the average age of the H&H modeling in North Carolina is over 15 years
old (see Figure 4-3). This is partially due to regulatory burden and due process required to develop
effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps for National Flood Insurance Program compliance. The majority
of North Carolina’s modeling is 1-D and does not reflect changing rainfall intensities, climate change
projections, or future and recent watershed development.

Figure 4-3: Average Study Age of North Carolina’s River Basins
Insufficient Current Storm Frequencies and Future Conditions Not Considered: Most of North
Carolina’s flood hazard areas only consider the 1% (100-year) and 0.2% (500-year) annual exceedance
probability. Approximately a quarter of the state’s models consider the 10% (10-year) and 2% (50-
year) annual chance events. NCFMP does have the 10, 25, 50, and 500-year events datasets available in
effective or preliminary (draft) form for all counties except for Forsyth and Davidson counties as of
2023. Additional storm frequencies and future conditions events should be analyzed to better
compute average annual loss and plan for increases in flood hazards and related impacts due to
climate change. For the coastal modeling, the age and resolution of existing data and models suggest
new modeling should be conducted in the near term and coast-wide for efficiency.
Cost Estimate
Table 4-3 shows the planning level cost estimates based on current work being done in North Carolina
for the development of 2-D modeling for the Neuse River Basin (pilot basin) and remainder of the
state. These costs are based on two considerations: modeling to fill in spatial gaps and updates of
existing modeling. Both aspects need to be considered for each basin, and Table 4-3 will need to be
reassessed when basins are done. It is currently more cost-effective to update existing modeling.

https://media.coastalresilience.org/NC/North%20Carolina%20Sea%20Level%20Rise%20Impact%20Study_FinalReport_2
0140627.pdf.
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Table 4-3: Planning Level Cost for 2-D Modeling Development
Basin Area (sq miles)
Planning-Level Cost
Estimates
Neuse (Pilot) 6,234 $996,000
New 753 $188,000
Tar-Pamlico 5,570 $1,393,000
Watauga 205 $51,000
Cape Fear 9,320 $3,169,000
French Broad 2,829 $707,000
Catawba 3,285 $881,000
Little Tennessee 1,797 $449,000
Broad 1,513 $378,000
Lumber 3,334 $834,000
Savannah 171 $43,000
White Oak 1,261 $315,000
Chowan 1,378 $345,000
Pasquotank 3,635 $1,005,000
Roanoke 3,502 $1,018,000
Yadkin 7,221 $2,234,000
Hiwassee 644 $161,000
Total 52,652 $11,983,000

Alternatives Considered
In addition to determining the existing 1-D modeling in the state would not fully support the
Blueprint’s goals, the other approach considered was Probabilistic Flood Risk Analysis (PFRA). This is
an alternative to the deterministic modeling of the 2-D rain-on-grid H&H modeling recommended
above. The PFRA approach leverages the existing and developed 2-D modeling as a baseline input
dataset. The difference is that probabilistic modeling uses an array of rainfall events based on varying
storm frequencies, duration, and intensity. Hundreds of rainfall events are modeled using the PFRA
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approach. Additional statistical analyses are performed on these model results to yield a more
probabilistic floodplain boundary and enhanced risk products. This approach is computation-heavy
and requires a cloud-based computing and modeling system to perform the model storm iterations.
The additional datasets allow for refined computation of flood risk (including annualized damages)
and the evaluation of mitigation alternatives.
One drawback to the PFRA approach described above is cost based on current computing capabilities.
At this time, probabilistic methods are estimated to be approximately 300% higher in cost than
deterministic 2-D H&H modeling. Based on the cost difference, this level of modeling statewide is not
recommended for the next phases of the Blueprint. However, the Blueprint program will consider this
approach in future years.
Critical Dependencies: NCDEQ (or another department) must provide funding for 2-D modeling and
contract firms for implementation.
NCDEQ is partnering with NCEM to conduct additional 2-D modeling in the Neuse River Basin in 2024
and expects to use that approach in subsequent river basins. While current Blueprint funding may be
adequate to conduct the inland 2-D modeling for the Neuse and next five river basin. At this time,
sufficient funding has not been identified for the additional river basins to include New, Watauga,
Catawba, Little Tennessee, Broad, Savannah, Chowan, Pasquotank, Roanoke, Yadkin, and Hiwassee.
4.3.2 Use a Two-Tiered Approach to Flood Modeling
Description
The Blueprint program will implement a two-tiered approach to 2-D flood modeling to address
instances where further model resolution and detail are needed. The following is a summary of the
approach.
Tier 1: Large-Scale Basin-Wide 2-D Modeling, Risk Assessment, and Solution Development. Tier 1
modeling will be performed at the HUC-10 river basin scale as described in the previous
recommendation for 2-D modeling. This scale of modeling is appropriate for the following:
• The development of cost-effective hazard identification and flood mapping for areas covered
by current regulatory mapping and flooding beyond those areas.
• Building asset-based risk assessments, structural and content loss (costs) estimations, flood
risk scores and annualized damage estimates for all impacted assets in the studied basins.
• Developing geospatial products to better communicate the flood hazards, consequences, and
risks to stakeholders via the display of flood extents, depths, and building impacts (depths,
structure, and content losses).
• The development of flood mitigation measures including structure elevation, floodproofing,
relocation, and/or acquisition, including the computation of the benefit-cost ratio for each of
the building-specific mitigation alternatives.
• Some regional flood resiliency/mitigation strategies that appropriate using the large scale 2-D
models as part of the Tier 1 analysis.
• Other flood resiliency/mitigation strategies, including at the community scale, that may be
appropriate given the large-scale resolution.
Tier 2: Higher Resolution and More Detailed Modeling and Alternatives Analysis. Following the
Tier 1 (large-scale) modeling, areas should be identified for further higher resolution analysis to
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confirm the location and type of flood resiliency action and compare alternatives. This should include
situations where the large-scale modeling tools are not detailed enough to identify solutions that can
be represented in the Blueprint Tool.
Additional regional solutions would be included where they cannot be initially evaluated using the
larger scale modeling. Some of the smaller scale analyses can be supported by NCDEQ as part of the
development of the River Basin Action Strategy. Alternatively, individual local governments or
regional groups may opt to conduct the additional analysis on their own. NCDEQ anticipates funding
priorities to include regional solutions and under-resourced communities. Costs for Tier 2 modeling
may range from $20,000 to $200,000 based on the complexity and level of effort required.
An additional level of analysis will likely be needed to support a full design of a recommended
resiliency/mitigation project. The level of analysis would occur outside of these two tiers and outside
the scope of River Basin Action Strategy development.
Justification
This two-tiered approach supports the development of solutions that are ready for funding, design,
and construction. The process reduces the burden for communities and ensures more useful and
effective River Basin Action Strategies.
Alternatives Considered
No alternatives were considered.
Critical Dependencies: For any Tier 2 modeling to be performed, the initial basin wide 2-D modeling
should be completed first. The more detailed modeling is also dependent on available resources and
will require additional funding.
4.3.3 Study the Benefits of Natural Assets for Flood Reduction, Flood Storage,
and Flood Dispersion
Description
Work with the University of North Carolina (UNC) Collaboratory on a study to evaluate the benefits of
natural assets and land features (e.g. wetlands, forest, buffers, open fields, and cropland and working
lands) in North Carolina for flood reduction, protection, or restoration. This effort should build on
prior and ongoing work in the state.
Justification
Land features such as wetlands, forest, and fields are important for flood mitigation. However, not all
land features are created equally. A science-based analysis should be performed that identifies what
types of land features are most important in what locations so that the state can decide whether and
how to protect or restore them. The UNC Collaboratory has worked on similar projects and has the
technical resources to carry out the study.
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Alternatives Considered
Other considerations include waiting on others to develop the data, working with other agencies and
academics to develop this data over time, and searching for a grant and other academic partners to
fulfill this task.
Critical Dependencies: This recommendation requires coordination with subject matter experts to
determine the variables needed to include in a study. It may require additional funding.
4.4 Workflow Implementation & River Basin Strategy Development
As part of implementing the Workflow, the Blueprint program and River Basin Action Strategies will
require refinement and routine maintenance to allow for continuous improvement and incorporation
of updated data. The creation of advisory groups and understanding of community needs, especially
related to where support should be provided to under-resourced communities, will facilitate
development of the River Basin Action Strategies. Recommendations include establishing a 5-year
program lifecycle for River Basin Action Strategies, implementing a data quality review process,
updating information on action plans, creating River Basin Advisory Groups, conducting capacity
needs assessments, and providing support to under-resourced communities.
4.4.1 Implement a 5-Year Cycle for Action Strategies
Description
The Blueprint River Basin Action Strategy Workflow is designed to operate within a 5-year cycle in
each river basin, with a new update beginning every 5 years following the end of the previous strategy
development. Each basin will be on a rolling update cycle once that cycle’s strategy is completed.
River Basin Action Strategy project implementation tracking for each river basin will involve assessing
and documenting project status on a regular basis to secure additional funding and support
completion. Data maintenance will be reviewed annually to ensure the best available data is being
used to inform Blueprint actions.
Justification
Based on reviews of other programs inside and outside of North Carolina and feedback from PAG and
TAG members it was determined that a 5-year cycle was most appropriate. However, the 5-year clock
should begin once a River Basin Action Strategy is finalized so in practice this could mean five years
plus the amount of time it takes to develop the strategy within the initial cycle, which can be up to two
years. Many action strategies included in the Blueprint will require a significant investment of time
and resources, and this time horizon allows for proper planning, execution, and evaluation. Some
projects will require more than five years for completion; within this period, implementation can
begin, and progress can be tracked for future years and/or cycles.
Alternatives Considered
Two alternative timeframes were considered, with the first being a 3-year cycle. While a 3-year cycle
may be suitable for certain projects, particularly those that may have previously committed efforts or
funds, it is likely an insufficient amount of time for extensive, basin-wide actions to take place. It was
determined that a shorter period does not account for varying levels of complexity and scale,
unforeseen challenges, or measuring impact.
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The second alternative considered was a 10-year cycle, which was determined to be too long due to
challenges with accountability, adaptability, and alignment. Decision-makers often seek a relatively
shorter ROI period. Waiting 10 years to see tangible outcomes from a project may be seen as a risk,
and it can be challenging to maintain accountability over such a prolonged timeline. Long-term
projects may struggle to adapt to these changes, leading to potential obsolescence or inefficiency. In
terms of alignment, a 10-year plan may lack a sense of stability and continuity due to the extended
timeline.
Critical Dependencies: The Legislature must provide recurring program funding to implement
updates over time.
4.4.2 Develop and Implement a Data Quality Review Process
Description
The databases that inform the Blueprint Tool should be designed and constructed to facilitate
ongoing data maintenance and updates to ensure accuracy and accessibility. During the development
of River Basin Action Strategies, there will be an opportunity for communities and local governments
to submit additional data for use in the program. This information will be submitted to the Blueprint
Project Manager for a quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) review to ensure that the data meets
or exceeds the standard requirements for integration into the tool. Once validated, the data will need
to be uploaded into the Blueprint Tool.
Justification
As the planning process continues and action plans move to the implementation phase, there may be
more up-to-date data, modeling, and analysis available from the initial baseline that will need to be
included and updated within the Blueprint Tool. Prior to updating, the data will need to go through a
QA/QC review process.
Alternatives Considered
No alternatives were considered.
Critical Dependencies: Research must be conducted on best practices for a QA/QC procedure that
ensures data inputs to the Blueprint Tool are accurate and compatible. This needs to be developed as
part of the initial Blueprint Tool.
4.4.3 Update Tool with Resiliency Action Plan Project Information Annually
Description
The Blueprint will create individual River Basin Action Strategies and update the Blueprint Tool with
project planning data that feature hazards, impacts, benefits, and defined actions for mitigation as
well as cost estimates, feasibility, and complexity for completing the action. As a project moves
forward into the implementation phase, the data should be updated on an annual basis to capture the
progress of each project. New or updated information on the progress of the project will need to be
included and reviewed for accuracy and compared to the project’s established key performance
indicators. This information may include the status of the action, new or updated modeling that
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impacts the end result of the project, or updated funding availability. These changes need to be
captured within the project profile.
To maintain audit readiness, the usage of the Blueprint Tool should align with standard operating
procedures for project/action implementation that reinforce state and federal (for projects using
federal funding) policies and procedures. This will be determined and, when possible, implemented in
the Blueprint Tool.
Justification
Establishing a regular pattern for updating Action Profiles will promote accurate progress tracking. In
addition, communities can view Action Profiles for other jurisdictions for inspiration and collaboration
opportunities.
Alternatives Considered
No alternatives were considered.
Critical Dependencies: One full cycle of the Blueprint Workflow must be complete.
4.4.4 Create River Basin Advisory Groups for Each River Basin
Description
Building off the experience with the Neuse River Basin pilot, River Basin Advisory Groups should be
established as part of the River Basin Action Strategy development process. This entity will consist of
people and organizations that are willing to provide river basin-specific technical and non-technical
information, as well as local knowledge of flooding and flood resilience efforts and needs. The
creation of this group should happen as part of Step 1 of the Blueprint Workflow. Each River Basin
Advisory Group will work with NCDEQ to develop the River Basin Action Strategy in collaboration with
communities. The effort will include priority resiliency actions that can be implemented at the
community and regional level.
A Neuse River Basin Advisory Group was formed during the development of the pilot Neuse River Basin
Action Strategy. Members of this group were selected by NCDEQ in consultation with numerous
partners from the state, local/regional groups, non-profit organizations, and others. This group will
continue its work as part of the refinement of the Draft Neuse River Basin Action Strategy to include
additional modeling, risk and vulnerability, solution development, and feedback from stakeholders
and communities within the river basin. NCDEQ will continue to gather feedback to improve the
process. Some of the lessons learned thus far are: 1) a comprehensive community and stakeholder
education effort needs to take place before, during and after the River Basin Action Strategy is
developed to ensure greater participation and acceptance; 2) more time is needed to maximize
participation and ensure a good end product, 3) in-person meetings need to occur throughout the
river basin; 4) strategies for increasing representation need to be developed and implemented; and 5)
many communities need capacity support to participate effectively.
Justification
The River Basin Advisory Groups will provide contextually informed insight for proposed projects and
strategies recommended for the River Basin Action Strategy. Through the planning process, members
within each River Basin Advisory Group will develop common knowledge and help leverage local and
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regional networks necessary to collaboratively advise NCDEQ during the development of the Action
Strategy for each basin.
Alternatives Considered
Several alternatives were considered for how to best advise and support the creation of River Basin
Action Strategies for each basin. A basin-specific commission similar to Texas Water Management
Boards was discussed. This approach would allow more responsibility for decision-making to be
delegated to river basin officials and provide communities with more ownership of the River Basin
Action Strategies. However, it would require legislative approval and a member appointment process.
There was support for this recommendation among some PAG and TAG members, and it should be
explored further. Nonetheless, the development of additional River Basin Action Strategies in the near
term should not be delayed in order for this to be established.
Critical Dependencies: NCDEQ will need to work with PAG and TAG members and local and regional
groups such as COGs to develop membership for each River Basin Advisory Group. At minimum, these
groups will consist of representatives from state and local governments, working lands, drainage
districts, soil and water districts, under-resourced communities, private business, historically under-
represented communities, and flood resilience experts.
4.4.5 Conduct Basin-Specific Financial and Technical Capacity Needs
Assessments
Description
As part of Step 2: Initiate Community Engagement and Discovery, a Financial and Technical Capacity
Needs Assessment will be conducted to determine how capable communities within each river basin
are to participate in the collaborative Blueprint planning process and implementation of funded
actions. The community capacity needs assessment will have a targeted focus on identifying under-
resourced communities. Based on the findings, NCDEQ can be determine what resources may be
necessary to ensure effective community participation across the river basin.
Justification
Participation in the Blueprint is voluntary; however, throughout the process there may be
communities and local governments that do not have the capacity to participate in the Blueprint
planning process or to implement projects. For communities that want to participate but have
capacity challenges, NCDEQ staff will partner with other entities or contract with private companies to
help bridge the capacity gap. As examples, lead regional organizations and COGs could be engaged to
support communities and/or NCDEQ staff could provide some assistance. In addition, NCDEQ could
offer design services to communities with the help of on-call contracts with engineering firms.
Alternatives Considered
The alternative of providing no capacity assistance was considered. However, the primary goal of the
Blueprint is to get projects implemented to increase flood resilience across all North Carolina
communities. In order to achieve that goal, capacity challenges must be addressed. A priority of the
Blueprint and NCDEQ is to assist in resolving those challenges and to see that the resiliency actions
are implemented.
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Critical Dependencies: NCDEQ must determine the level of assistance the state will provide to
communities, and specifically under-resourced communities, in carrying out Blueprint planning and
actions.
4.4.6 Provide Support to Under-Resourced Communities Throughout the
Implementation of the Blueprint
Description
Throughout Phase I, local governments expressed concerns over their capacity to participate in the
Blueprint, while underscoring that community stakeholders and local government representatives
need to remain engaged, stay informed, and advocate for their needs and concerns. As such, attention
should be given to setting the conditions for the inclusion and representation of all communities and
interests— including under-resourced communities— and engaging in a manner that promotes long
term two-way collaboration and engagement. In general, NCDEQ will need to provide capacity
support for under-resourced communities so that they can effectively participate in the Blueprint.
Support for under-resourced communities has been built into each relevant step of the Blueprint
Workflow and is laid out in more detail as appropriate in each step.
Justification
Resource-limited communities are disproportionately located in flood-prone areas, meaning these
communities may bear a greater share of the increased flood risk that is expected to be experienced
across the state.
Alternatives Considered
Additional ways in which to provide support to under-resourced communities will continue to be
considered.
Critical Dependencies: Under-resourced communities must be identified in order to receive support,
which will depend in part on the completion of the financial and technical capacity needs
assessments.
4.5 Project Ranking
A fundamental goal of the Blueprint is to ensure that it aids in determining how and where resources
should be allocated to implement projects that increase community flood resiliency. To accomplish
this aim, the Blueprint Tool must include a set of project ranking criteria that reflect a project’s cost
and effectiveness in increasing flood resilience as well as providing a variety of co-benefits such as
economic development, social benefits, and additional environmental and ecological benefits in
various quantitative and qualitative ways. These factors, applied in Step 5: Action Analysis and
Ranking of the Blueprint Workflow, can also allow the Blueprint to reflect the priorities of
communities and local institutions in the decision-making process. The ranking process enabled by
these factors will assist NCDEQ and decision-makers on where to invest in flood resilience; what type
of approach to apply including, where applicable, innovative approaches like nature-based solutions;
and why to invest there.
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4.5.1 Develop a Dynamic Resiliency Project Ranking Methodology
Description
The Blueprint Tool will include a multivariable, data-driven, performance-based ranking module for
ranking flood resilience projects and actions based on selected criteria. A user will be able to select or
create candidate projects in the Blueprint Tool to address flood risks at a given location. Then, these
candidate actions will be evaluated by the Blueprint Tool in two major areas:
• Single Strategy Performance Evaluation: Individual actions will be assessed through a multi-
criteria framework encompassing variables such as benefits and impacts, location factors, limiting
factors (cost, technical difficulties, etc.), and funding opportunities. Expected outputs include
rankings and scores, as well as associated metric values.
• Multiple Strategy Aggregation Assessment: In addition to the results of the individual actions
assessments, it is important to consider the appropriate distribution and cumulative impacts of
projects among all communities with flooding needs within a unit of local government, region, or
river basin. The Blueprint Tool will allow aggregated actions/projects to be evaluated. This also
includes the ability to understand how projects contribute and supports resilience on a watershed
scale, including upstream and downstream analysis.
Figure 4-4 below demonstrates an example decision-support framework adapted for the Blueprint
Tool.

Figure 4-4: Example Decision Support Framework
The Blueprint Tool will allow the state and communities to apply weighting where desired for multiple
variables to generate project priority lists and compare projects. For example, the state could decide
that its highest priority is to ensure flood resilience for all local Emergency Management Facilities in a
river basin to address that vital public safety function and to ensure that infrastructure damage is
minimized, and recovery time is limited. The Blueprint Tool will allow the state to identify all such
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facilities and their hazard level. They may then decide that this is cost-prohibitive for a 500-year
flooding event but choose to evaluate the costs to improve facilities for a 100-year event. Further
examples could include a community that may want to evaluate how to address road flooding for a
50-year event and compare other options. Other users may want to evaluate projects that could serve
multiple functions, such as a park that is allowed to flood in certain storm events to protect the road
from overtopping. The Blueprint Tool will allow communities and the state to make these and other
types of comparisons.
The process for developing a decision-support framework for the Blueprint Tool may consist of the
following four key steps and as shown in Figure 4-5:
• Step 1: Visioning. Identify major stakeholders and define the framework criteria. Expected
outputs include defined goals, objectives, and requirements for the multi-criteria decision-
support framework.
• Step 2: Framework Development. Develop a draft ranking methodology for a multi-criteria
decision-support framework. Conduct offline testing of the project priority methodology.
• Step 3: Framework Refinement. Based on feedback from NCDEQ and stakeholders, refine the
ranking methodology, which includes criteria, framework, and aggregated assessment.
• Step 4: Framework Integration. Apply the ranking methodology to projects as a part of the
Blueprint Tool platform and final River Basin Action Strategy priority project list.
Figure 4-5: Four Key Steps of the Decision-Support Framework
Justification
Development of the ranking methodology will allow decision-makers to evaluate and compare
actions using a variety of appropriate metrics to make good flood resilience investment decisions. It
will also allow the Blueprint to reflect the priorities of communities in the decision-making process.
This ranking should take place in parallel to Phase II Blueprint Tool creation.
Alternatives Considered
Alternatives for the development of a ranking methodology are being considered in Phase II of the
Blueprint, which is underway.
Visioning
•Define goals and objectives
•Gather stakeholder inputs
•Define key requirements for the multi-criteria framework
Framework Development
•Draft multi-criteria framework with ranking methodology, which correspond to the goals
and objectives
•Offline testing of ranking
methodology with sample
actions
•Draft Methodology Memo
Framework Refinement
•Revised ranking methodology based on feedback from DEQ
•Revised Methodology Memo
Framework Integration
•Build the ranking methodology as part of the Blueprint Tool's platform
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Critical Dependencies: Meet with Blueprint partners and stakeholders to develop the ranking
methodology and determining funding mechanisms.
4.5.2 Incorporate Local Priorities into Project Ranking
Description
The project ranking criteria within the Blueprint Tool play a crucial role in informing project decisions.
The decisions should reflect the priorities of local communities while also addressing the Blueprint’s
core purposes.
Ranking criteria will be developed and included in the Blueprint Tool. NCDEQ, with input from
Advisory Groups, will develop a core list of primary criteria for ranking all proposed mitigation actions
to maintain consistency and allow comparison statewide. These criteria create common variables
between user groups based on core Blueprint goals. Examples of potential variables could include
ensuring public safety and public health, indirect community benefits, addressing water quality and
multi-benefits where feasible, regulatory mandates and compliance, resource leveraging
opportunities, inclusion of socially vulnerable communities, and other variables as appropriate.
To prevent overall project ranking skew, NCDEQ will ensure primary criteria are weighted higher than
secondary community priorities. This will prevent the Blueprint Tool from skewing Action Profiles
away from Blueprint’s core priorities (increase flood resilience in the state, seeking multi-benefit
solutions wherever feasible, etc.). These priorities and how to incorporate local dimensions will be
further determined in Phase II with the creation of the Blueprint Tool.
Justification
Incorporation of local priorities into the Blueprint Tool action ranking process will allow the Blueprint
to address community needs more effectively. If those community values are reflected in the
Blueprint River Basin Action Strategy and associated Action Profiles, local governments, communities,
and other stakeholders are more likely to accept program recommendations, implement actions, and
sustain Blueprint efforts in the future.
Alternatives Considered
Many project ranking methodologies already exist in resilience plans across the US, including in peer
state programs analyzed in the Peer State Food Resiliency Programs (Subtask 1.5) report that was
created as part of Blueprint research.
Critical Dependencies: Meet with all communities participating in the Blueprint to establish
community ranking criteria.
4.6 Financing and Funding
Financing and funding will be pivotal elements within the Blueprint, driving the transformation from
potential flood resilience actions into actionable realities. Given the wide array of financial resources
available from state and federal programs, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,
Inflation Reduction Act, Water Resources Development Act, and federal appropriations, numerous
funding opportunities exist for eligible projects. These exist alongside any additional funding that may
be made available in the future from the General Assembly. The intent of these recommendations is to
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provide a foundation at the local level for ensuring long-term maintenance of all actions after
implementation, including nature-based solutions. The identification, ranking, allocation, and use of
these funding sources will constitute a fundamental aspect of the Blueprint, with oversight and
coordination supported by NCDEQ staff.
4.6.1 Integrate Identified Funding Sources
Description
To integrate identified funding sources into the Blueprint, NCDEQ will develop a tool that will leverage
existing data and logic that consolidates and tracks relevant funding opportunities. The tool will
include a database with search parameters to match community profiles and resiliency
actions/projects to appropriate federal, state, and other funding sources to move priorities forward
into implementation. Data maintenance will be required as funding sources and requirements change
throughout the course of the Blueprint, on at least an annual basis in some cases. NCDEQ should work
with NCORR on this effort as initial work is underway for the NC Resilience Exchange and that initiative
may be leveraged.
Justification
As outlined in the Flood Risk Reduction Project Funding Analysis (Subtask 2.6), there is a diversity of
funding opportunities available, yet it can be challenging to match projects and actions to the most
appropriate source (see Table 4-4). The frequency of availability, purpose, and required funding
match are examples of factors that impact the feasibility of a funding source to be used for an action –
and these factors can change by location and over time. In the future, the tool could leverage
advanced technologies, machine learning and language processing technology to effectively match
projects and actions with funding. Recommendation III: Funding Solutions in the Recommendations
for the Utilization of AI/ML to Inform Blueprint (Subtask 3.11) discusses the potential benefits of AI in
this context, including efficiently tracking and updating funding sources, matching and scoring
projects against funding criteria, and performing gap analyses.
Table 4-4: Examples of Federal Funding Sources that Will Be Tracked Through the
Funding Tool
Annual Federal Appropriations and
Authorization Acts
Managing Agency- Funding
Energy and Water Development USACE; Department of Insurance (DOI) - Bureau of
Reclamation; Treasury - Appalachian Region Commission;
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Interior-Environment USACE; DOI - Bureau of Reclamation; DOI - US Geological
Survey; DOI - Natural Resource Damage Assessment and
Restoration; DOI - Indian Affairs; DOI - Fish & Wildlife and
Parks; EPA - State and Tribal Assistance Grants; EPA -
Environmental Programs and Management; EPA - Water
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act
Homeland Security Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities; Pre-
Disaster Mitigation; High Hazard Potential Dams;
Cybersecurity; S&T; NextGen Warning; Climate Adaptation;
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
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Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies Crop Insurance;
Rural Development
Farm Services - Risk Management; Natural Resources
Conservation Service; Federal
Commerce-Justice-Science Economic Development Administration; National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration - National Weather Service
Water Resources Development Act (Biennial
Authorization) Policy, Funding Authorization
Farm System Reform Act of 2023 Policy, Funding Authorization
Inflation Reduction Act Fiscal Year 2022-33 Funding, Tax Credits, Policy
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act/Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law Fiscal Year 2021-26 Funding, Set-Asides, Policy
Information about funding sources at the state level can be found in Flood Risk Reduction
Project Funding Analysis (Subtask 2.6). State agencies that provide funding include:

• NCDEQ Division of Mitigation Services
• NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS)
• US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service
• NCDA&CS Division of Soil and Water Conservation
• NCDEQ Division of Coastal Management
• NCDEQ Division of Water Resources
• NCDEQ Division of Water Infrastructure
• NC Department of Commerce
• NC Department of Public Safety (NCDPS)
• NCDPS, Office of Recovery and Resiliency
• NCDPS, Emergency Management
• NC Department of Justice
• NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR)
• NCDNCR Division of Parks and Recreation,
• NC Wildlife Resources Commission
• NC Forest Service
There are other considerations that should be factored in: data maintenance, system interface, and
grant management. Incorporation and costs are being considered for these in Phase II of the
Blueprint.
• Data Maintenance: The cost of creating or expanding, updating, and maintaining data included in
the funding tool. Cost of data maintenance will have to be considered for each set of data needed
for a basin review. Statewide datasets are often owned and maintained by an agency who either
has the need or mechanism for maintenance. For example, statewide imagery is owned and
maintained by the NC Department of Information Technology through the NC Center for
Geographic Information and Analysis (NCCGIA). This dataset has a funding source and process for
collection. NCCGIA is a partner. Some data sources, such as lidar, are collected through
coordination of several agencies. NCEM is the owner and collector of the lidar data, but they work
with NCDOT on the quality control and review of the data. NCFMP is the repository of floodplain
data throughout the state, and NCDEQ is the repository of headwater datasets. All data layers in
North Carolina are done in coordination with other state agencies to provide information to as
many needs as possible without duplicating effort.
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• System Interface: The cost of creating a system interface to make the tool accessible for
communities. This system will be created with the understanding that as NCDEQ addresses river
basins throughout the state, the system may need to have adjustments or updates made based on
new user needs, new data inputs, or new circumstances because of geographic location.
• Grant Management: The cost of tracking and managing grants that communities pursue and/or
are awarded. It is understood that the Blueprint will not be the only program where grants are
being acquired. There will be a coordination of needs that will show grants and actions receiving
outside grant funds that will be created to reduce the workload for grant applications and
requests.
Alternatives Considered
Funding options are frequently changing, and alternatives should continue to be considered.
Critical Dependencies: For the integration of identified funding sources to occur, the Action Profile
creation must occur to confirm the projects and actions that the community will move forward with.
4.6.2 Develop a Compensation Program for the Agricultural Community
Based on the Use of Farmland for Flood Storage and Reduction
Description
This effort would entail the creation of a compensation program for landowners who allow their land
to be use as flood storage and water retention during flooding events to assist with flood reduction
along a basin river network. Since many working lands are leased, the project should explore how to
compensate all parties impacted by this approach. This effort should be led by the Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services and include a Department of Commerce economist input with
assistance of the Blueprint Advisory Groups and academic experts.
Justification
This recommendation will allow for the use of working lands during flooding events as a part of a
flood mitigation strategy. This would compensate owners of working lands to allow for water storage
that benefits the river basin and local communities.
Alternatives Considered
Many alternatives are being considered to clarify funding and policy that will drive requirements for
this incentive program.
Critical Dependencies: This recommendation requires participation from community stakeholder
groups to identify and create appropriate incentives, coordination with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, funding, and
the creation of a maintenance plan for funding during future flooding events.
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4.6.3 Implement Multiple Finance and Organizational Approaches to Address
Local Stormwater Programs
Description
Flood resilience investments require maintenance and repair in order to protect the initial investment.
Local stormwater programs created as a requirement of Phase I and II of the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program are familiar flood resilience maintenance program
types among communities. Under that program, local governments with a population over 10,000
must meet federal stormwater program requirements. These programs serve as models for flood
resilience project maintenance programs, which may have projects that extend beyond normal
stormwater projects (e.g., dry proofing a set of structures).

The level at which a local stormwater program is able to finance its maintenance and repair programs
depends on the community size, resources, scale of operation, how they are organized, approach to
taxation and use of fees, and financial capacity of the community. Generally, the use of fees has the
advantage of creating a new revenue stream without directly modifying the general tax rates. Some
additional benefits of fees compared to taxes are that they can assign rates according to the benefit
(e.g., larger structures require more stormwater infrastructure and therefore pay larger rates), and
tax-exempt entities are not exempt from paying fees for the stormwater service they require.
Programs also often issue bonds to pay for large projects so that the cost of the project can be spread
over time.

These methods are mature and well understood. A wealth of information on these methods can be
found at the UNC School of Government Environmental Finance Center website.17 Communities with
existing stormwater financing could expand their model to cover flood resilience projects.

Stormwater infrastructure requires specialized skills and certifications to design, implement and
maintain. Small communities often may not have the capacity to build and maintain a stormwater
program capable of maintaining stormwater infrastructure. Below are several ways in which small
communities may address their resource gaps:
• Development of a stormwater enterprise utility for multiple communities in a region: This
could be a collection of small communities, small and medium communities, or small and/or
medium communities partnering with a larger community. This is common in the water utilities
sector. There are also examples in the NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
sector. For example, Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, and the towns in Mecklenburg
County partner for all or part of their MS4 program requirements. This allows communities to
leverage their resources to cost-effectively manage their NPDES MS4 program requirements and
reduce the financial burden on all the communities.
• Develop partnerships with local state agencies: Some state agencies that are located in regions
across the state have the skills and resources (equipment or contracts) to perform maintenance
and repair for flood resilience projects. Examples of state agencies that may be viable partners
include NCDOT, NCDA&CS Division of Soil and Water Conservation, and the NC Forest Service.

17 UNC School of Government Environmental Finance Center, https://efc.sog.unc.edu/.
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Contracts with the entities would reduce the burden of establishing a maintenance and repair
staff. The individual community’s program could be run by a community staff member or by a
staff member from the state agency. Local funding would still be required but the program costs
would be reduced.
Justification
Maintenance and timely repairs are the most cost-effective ways to protect investments and prevent
loss of function and costly and time-consuming replacement. While over 100 communities across the
state do have stormwater programs, most communities do not because they are often cost-
prohibitive. To increase flood resiliency in the state, small communities will need methods that allow
them to afford to protect flood resilient investments. Building partnerships is the most cost-effective
way to meet this capacity gap.
Alternatives Considered
Other alternatives considered included establishing a river basin or statewide state maintenance and
repair program. However, such programs would not be as responsive or as cost effective as more
localized partnerships. Some consideration was given to developing private contracts for these
services. While such contracts can be cost-effective, they would be more so on smaller scales with
local contractors.
Critical Dependencies: This recommendation requires participation from community stakeholder
groups to identify finance methods that are available and most applicable to under-resourced
communities. Implementation of final policy recommendations will likely require financial assistance
from the state.
4.6.4 Provide Grant Opportunities to Establish Stormwater Programs
Description
In 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated $1.69 billion from the state’s allocation of
the American Rescue Plan Act for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater investments in
Sections 12.13 and 12.14 of the Session Law 2021-180. Of this, approximately $100.5 million was
allocated for stormwater projects in the Local Assistance for Stormwater Infrastructure Investments
(LASII) fund. NCDEQ’s Division of Water Infrastructure was charged with administration of these
monies, of which approximately $82 million was allocated to fund projects for improving and/or
creating infrastructure for controlling stormwater quantity and quality. Grant types available from the
LASII fund included construction grants (approximately 70% of allocated funding) and planning grants
(approximately 30% of allocated funding). Implementation of a stormwater utility was also an eligible
use of LASII funding through stormwater construction funds.

To help communities develop stormwater programs that are capable of maintaining project
investments, North Carolina should focus LASII grants specific to program development for smaller
and under-resourced communities or create a similar program to LASII, but specific to the Blueprint.
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Justification
Using LASII or a program like it could provide an opportunity for communities to develop or improve
stormwater programs that will be able to maintain flood resilience investments.
Alternatives Considered
Alternate incentives to encourage local governments to establish or strengthen stormwater
infrastructure should be considered further.
Critical Dependencies: Additional state or federal funding to support such a grant program.
4.6.5 Incentivize Multipurpose and Multi-benefit Solutions
Description
When possible, the state should promote and provide incentives for the application of flood resiliency
solutions that serve multiple purposes and achieve multiple benefits. Recognizing the congruent
nature of desired Blueprint outcomes— including reduction of frequency and severity of flooding
events, mitigation of flooding impacts, and enhancement of a community’s ability to quickly resume
pre-storm activities following flooding, in addition to maximizing the state’s return on investment— it
follows that solutions that support positive co-benefits across these dimensions should be prioritized
to the extent possible. Existing state programs that support implementation of such solutions and can
work with the Blueprint include the NIFMP and watershed planning efforts housed in DMS.
Incentives can be offered to communities for choosing NBS in their flood resiliency action
identification. Example guidance includes the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s Action Plan for
Nature-Based Stormwater Strategies18 and guidance from the National Climate Task Force.19 Initial
ideas for incentives include:
• Incorporate multi-benefit criteria in project ranking: The ranking methodology for projects
should incorporate multi-benefit criteria related to nature-based solutions.
• Prioritize permitting for NBS: The state should work with Federal agencies and interagency
permitting teams to prioritize expediting permitting for nature-based solution projects to
encourage their deployment, using mechanisms like the FAST-41 process, and exploring new
ways to prioritize such projects within existing authorities.20 This could also be applied to
state programs and permits.
• Develop Nationwide or General Permits for NBS: The state should work with federal
agencies to develop Nationwide or General Permits that will either allow approval without
notification as long as general conditions are followed, short permit review timelines, and
elimination of mitigation requirements for identified types of NBS.

18 Action Plan for Nature-Based Stormwater Strategies: Promoting Natural Designs that Reduce Flooding and Improve Water
Quality In North Carolina, March 2021, https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/NBSS-Action-Plan.pdf.
19 Opportunities to Accelerate Nature-Based Solutions: A Roadmap For Climate Progress, Thriving Nature, Equity, &
Prosperity - A Report to the National Climate Task Force, November 2022, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2022/11/Nature-Based-Solutions-Roadmap.pdf.
20 “The FAST-41 Process,” Permitting Dashboard | Federal Infrastructure Projects,
https://www.permits.performance.gov/fpisc-content/fast-41-process.
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• Reduce discretionary cost-share and match requirements for NBS: Especially in
underserved and under-resourced communities, agencies should re-evaluate discretionary
cost-share requirements for nature-based solution funding.
• Other incentives: Additional options should be developed in consultation with the Blueprint
Advisory Groups.
Justification
Prioritizing NBS in flood resiliency actions requires additional layers of planning effort and technical
expertise. The state should provide incentives to help reduce any increased burden and incentivize
the use of NBS.
Alternatives Considered
All alternatives are being considered. There are funding and policy clarifications and requirements
that could drive this incentive program.
Critical Dependencies: Research needs to be conducted and should include policy and funding
mechanisms for incentives.
4.6.6 Coordinate State-Funded Projects Through the Flood Resiliency
Blueprint
Description
The Blueprint program should coordinate with other state programs to incorporate additional state-
funded flood resiliency actions into the Blueprint Tool. NCDEQ should work with other state agencies
to determine the specifics of this recommendation, including whether to merely track project
implementation and/or to use the ranking methodologies to inform funding decisions.
Justification
By adding all potential projects into the Blueprint Tool database, the Blueprint Tool provides a
comprehensive overview of all state-funded resiliency work.
Alternatives Considered
Coordination and informational alternatives are being discussed on timing and best practices for
sharing information and allowing access to the Blueprint Tool.
Critical Dependencies: Participation from other state agencies is required for this recommendation.
4.7 Pilot Project Implementation
River Basin Action Strategy development is an important step in ensuring flood resilience funds are
spent effectively. However, there is an urgent need for flood resilience improvement and education.
The state should work with River Basin Action Strategy Advisory Groups and local governments to
identify pilot projects within river basins that can be implemented while the River Basin Action
Strategy is being developed. This would serve several functions. It would address some flood
problems in the near term and will serve as an education opportunity for the stakeholders. There are
plenty of sources to develop potential projects. Examples include the DA&CS Streamflow
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Rehabilitation Assistance Program, DCM’s Resilient Coastal Communities Program, NCORR RISE
Projects, Hazard Mitigation Plans, and the preliminary draft of the Neuse River Basin Action Strategy.
Preliminary pilot projects that are underway or will be in progress in 2024 include:
• Complete Implementation of Stoney Creek Pilot Projects
• Explore Agency Partnerships for Implementation
• Implement Pilot Flood Resiliency Projects from River Basin Action Strategies
Future versions of the Draft Blueprint may provide more specific information relevant to pilot projects
across the state.

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5 Conclusion
The North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint is a first-of-its-kind program that will serve as the
backbone of North Carolina’s flood planning process to increase community resiliency to flooding.
The investment in and development of a statewide planning framework will be supported by the
Blueprint Tool, enabling state, regional, tribal, and local entities and their stakeholders to identify,
prioritize, and direct resources to implement effective flood resilience strategies based on the best
available science. The dynamic nature of the Blueprint, highlighted in the Workflow and Case Studies,
leverages and builds upon the robust array of existing and ongoing flood resiliency efforts across the
state. The framework, planning workflow, and program recommendations discussed herein were
developed based on extensive research of data and methodologies available. Analyzing comparable
initiatives in other states allows the Blueprint to enhance and leverage peer programs. The Blueprint’s
adaptable Workflow approach ensures that stakeholder collaboration is the foundation for River
Basin Action Strategies, which address the unique flooding challenges of each river basin, region, and
community.
This Draft Blueprint serves as the programmatic and procedural framework to advance and
implement the North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint. As a program designed to address the
critical needs and risks of local communities, the Blueprint execution will be a dynamic and adaptive
process. As the recommendations in this report are put into action, opportunities for improvement,
new information, and refined needs will arise. It is critical that the program remain responsive to the
evolving challenges and uncertainties of flood risk mitigation and resilience. As the state and
communities develop River Basin Action Strategies, further gaps will be illuminated, and
opportunities to improve the program will arise. The individual communities that make up each of
North Carolina’s 17 river basins have unique needs, a wealth of expertise, and a desire to find
solutions to the challenges of flooding. As the Blueprint continues to advance and flood projects begin
to take shape on the ground, every community in the state will be needed to help build a more
resilient North Carolina.
The North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint will require determined effort to effectively address
North Carolina’s current and future flood risk and to develop lasting solutions. Armed with the best
available data and coordination with other state, local, tribal, and federal entities, the Blueprint
supports the state in providing a collective and well-coordinated means to address the impact of
flood risk across the state. Through meticulous data collection, planning, coordination, and strategic
decision-making, the Blueprint offers a roadmap for responsible, systematic, equitable, and
transparent flood mitigation and community resilience. This program’s success hinges on
collaborative efforts, dedicated policy initiatives, and future funding to empower North Carolina to
proactively address its most pressing flooding issues. With this Draft Blueprint, the state paves the
way for safer, more resilient communities to face the challenges of the future.
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6 Acknowledgments
NCDEQ would like to acknowledge and thank the following individuals for their time and effort in
contributing to Blueprint’s development. These acknowledgments highlight NCDEQ’s core Blueprint
team (past and current), the many stakeholders who assisted with developing a work plan for Phase I
and/or participated in TAG/PAG activities, peer states that provided information and advice, and
contractors. The acknowledgments include stakeholders' names and relevant organizations during
their contributions to Blueprint Phase I. The organizations associated with some individuals may have
changed as some contributors have since retired or moved to different organizations.
Stakeholders
Local
Tim Trautman | Charlotte-Mecklenburg County
Nancy Watford | City of Asheville
Byron Reeves | City of Fayetteville
Steve Miller | City of Kinston
Christopher Seaberg | City of New Bern
Craig Harris | City of Wilmington
Ken Vafier | New Hanover County
Lee Duncan | Pender County
Nancy Daly | Wake County
Regional
Wes McCloud | Cape Fear COG
Emily Barrett | Central Pines Regional COG
Carlton Gideon | Eastern Carolina COG
Diane Cox | Kerr-Tar Regional COG
Mary Roderick | Land of Sky Regional COG
David Richardson | Lumber River COG
Haley Hogg | Mid-Carolina COG
Ben Farmer | Upper Coastal Plain COG
Charlie Colie | Neuse Regional Sewer and
Water Authority
Bob Carruth | North Carolina Association of
County Commissioners
William Glenn | North Carolina Association of
County Commissioners
Kevin Leonard | North Carolina Association of
County Commissioners
Robert Hiett | North Carolina Association of
Regional COGs
Bryan Evans | North Carolina Association of
Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Sarah Collins | North Carolina League of
Municipalities
State
Peter Daniel, Jr. | North Carolina Chamber of
Commerce
Greg Richardson | North Carolina Commission
of Indian Affairs
Joe French | North Carolina Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services
Dewitt Hardee | North Carolina Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services
Scott Melvin | North Carolina Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services
Maria Polizzi | North Carolina Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services
Alexander Stewart | North Carolina
Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services
David Williams | North Carolina Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services
Will Best | North Carolina Department of
Commerce
Sarah Hatcher | North Carolina Department of
Health and Human Services
Autumn Locklear | North Carolina Department
of Health and Human Services
Natalie Rivera | North Carolina Department of
Health and Human Services
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Colleen Kiley | North Carolina Department of
Information Technology
Michael Ware | North Carolina Department of
Information Technology
Pak Yip | North Carolina Department of
Insurance
Misty Buchanan | North Carolina Department
of Natural and Cultural Resources
Maggie Battaglin | North Carolina Department
of Public Safety
Marlena Byrne | North Carolina Department of
Public Safety
Chris Crew | North Carolina Department of
Public Safety
Paul Ervin | North Carolina Department of
Public Safety
Tom Langan | North Carolina Department of
Public Safety
Amanda Martin | North Carolina Department of
Public Safety
Gary Thompson | North Carolina Department
of Public Safety
Andrea Webster | North Carolina Department
of Public Safety
Holly White | North Carolina Department of
Public Safety
Kurt Golembesky | North Carolina Department
of Transportation
Matthew Lauffer | North Carolina Department
of Transportation
Stephen Morgan | North Carolina Department
of Transportation
Jamille Robbins | North Carolina Department
of Transportation
Steve Bevington | North Carolina Department
of Environmental Quality
Patrick Beggs | North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality
Stephanie Bolyard | North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality
Brad Cole | North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality
Josh Colley | North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality
Joselyn Harringer | North Carolina Department
of Environmental Quality
Jimmy Johnson | North Carolina Department
of Environmental Quality
Shannon Leonard | North Carolina Department
of Environmental Quality
Rachel Love-Adrick | North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality
Sharon Martin | North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality
Sushma Masemore | North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality
Klaus Albertin | North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality
Tancred Miller | North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality
Bailey Recktenwald | North Carolina Office of
the Governor
Mackenzie Todd | North Carolina Department
of Environmental Quality
Jordan Thompson | North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality
Mackenzie Todd | North Carolina Department
of Environmental Quality
Jordan Thompson | North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality
Lin Xu | North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality
Toby Vinson | North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality
Tim Watkins | North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality
Julie Woosley | North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality
Lanier McRee | North Carolina Office of State
Budget and Management
Shannon Deaton | North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission
Chris Wood | North Carolina Wildlife Resource
Commission
Federal
Valerie Anderson | Federal Emergency
Management Agency
Carville Edwards | Federal Emergency
Management Agency
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Jeffery Keenum | Federal Emergency
Management Agency
Pier Janrhett | Federal Emergency
Management Agency
Kristen Martinenza | Federal Emergency
Management Agency
Doug Marcy | National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration
Christine Brayman | U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers
Wesley Brown | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Jason Glazener | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Keith Keeney | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Ryan Loadholt | U.S. Department of Agriculture
Vic Engel | U.S. Geological Survey
Mary Giorgino | U.S. Geological Survey
Stephen Harden | U.S. Geological Survey
John C Weaver | U.S. Geological Survey
Non-Governmental, Academic and Tribal Organizations
Jack Krolikowski | American Flood Coalition
Tony McEwen | American Flood Coalition
Gian Tavares | American Flood Coalition
Rick Savage | Carolina Wetlands Association
Chris Canfield | Conservation Trust for North
Carolina
Mary Alice Holley | Conservation Trust for
North Carolina
Sara Mason | Duke University
Lydia Olander | Duke University
Katie Warnell | Duke University
Derek Tahquette | Eastern Band of Cherokee
Indians
Adam Gold | Environmental Defense Fund
Michelle Lovejoy | Environmental Defense
Fund
Will McDow | Environmental Defense Fund
Kasey Ginsberg | Golden Leaf Foundation
Scott Hamilton | Golden Leaf Foundation
Jonathan Hinkle | GPI
Preston Jacobsen | Haywood Waterways
Ken Ashe | North Carolina Association of State
Floodplain Managers
Chad Martin | North Carolina Black Alliance
La’Meshia Whittington | North Carolina Black
Alliance
Chris Baillie | North Carolina Coastal
Federation
Lauren Kolodij | North Carolina Coastal
Federation
Todd Miller | North Carolina Coastal Federation
Keith Larick | North Carolina Farm Bureau
Tom Potter | North Carolina Foundation for
Soil & Water Conservation
Amanda Sand | North Carolina Foundation for
Soil & Water Conservation
Yesenia Cuello | North Carolina Inclusive
Disaster Recovery Network
Bethany Cutts | North Carolina Inclusive
Disaster Recovery Network
Lariza Garzon | North Carolina Inclusive
Disaster Recovery Network
Brittany Love | North Carolina Inclusive
Disaster Recovery Network
Grady McCallie | North Carolina Inclusive
Disaster Recovery Network
Andrew Shoenig | North Carolina Inclusive
Disaster Recovery Network
Kathie Dello | North Carolina State Climate
Office
Barbara Doll | North Carolina State University
Bill Hunt | North Carolina State University
Susan White | North Carolina Water Resources
Research Institute
Leila Hashemi Beni | North Carolina A&T
University
Dani Moore | North Carolina Justice Center
Beth Roach | Sierra Club
Samantha Krop | Sound Rivers, Inc.
Kendall Paramore | Southeast Drainage
Commission
Bill Holman | The Conservation Fund
Shawna Alkon | The Nature Conservancy
Thomas Caggiano | The Nature Conservancy
Danica Schaffer-Smith | The Nature
Conservancy
Katherine Skinner | The Nature Conservancy
Kristiane Huber | The Pew Charitable Trusts
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Danielle Hiraldo | University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill’s American Indian Center
Todd BenDor | University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill
Greg Characklis | University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill
Rick Luettich | University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill
Toni Sebastian | University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill
Steve Wall | University of North Carolina Policy
Collaboratory
Joanne Halls | University of North Carolina
Wilmington
Mikey Fulk | Working Lands Trust
Peer States
Louisiana
Louisiana Coastal Master Plan | Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
Louisiana Watershed Initiative | Louisiana Council on Watershed Management
South Carolina
Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan | South Carolina Office of Resilience
Texas
Texas State Flood Plan | Texas Water Development Board
Texas Coastal Resiliency Master Plan | Texas General Land Office
Virginia
Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan | Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Contractors
AECOM
ESP Associates
Insight Planning & Development
Wildlands Engineering

NCDEQ Core Blueprint Team (Current and Former)
Anjie Ackerman
Elizabeth Christenson-Diver
Grace Dodge
Michelle Ferree
Joy Hicks
J Todd Kennedy
Shrikar Nunna
Marc Recktenwald
Kirsten Ullman

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7 Appendices
7.1 Appendix A: Definitions Glossary
Definitions in this section were informed by trusted and vetted sources including accepted federal and
state agency definitions.
Actions: in the Blueprint, "actions" denote specific flood resilience measures identified and ranked at
the basin scale. NCDEQ, in collaboration with communities, utilizes the Flood Resiliency Blueprint
Tool to assess and prioritize these actions based on variety of parameters.
Adaptation: actions that prepare for and adjust to new conditions, thereby reducing harm or taking
advantage of new opportunities. Adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or
expected hazards or their effects, which reduces harm or exploits beneficial opportunities.
Agricultural Flooding: occurs when agricultural lands experience excess water due to heavy rainfall,
poor drainage, or other factors. In this case, agricultural lands are not the source of, but rather the
asset affected by, flooding.
Blueprint Workflow: the workflow that acts as a general guide for the development of the basin flood
resiliency action strategies and application of the Flood Resiliency Blueprint Tool.
Blueprint Team: any staff member working directly with or for NCDEQ to implement the Blueprint
Program.
Coastal Flooding: flood hazards along the coast that include wave action, storm surge, and tidal
flooding.
Compound Flooding: a phenomenon in which two or more flooding sources occur simultaneously or
subsequently within a short period of time. The most common type of compound flooding—a
combination of storm surge and riverine flooding in coastal areas—can produce floodwaters that are
longer in duration and more widespread than anticipated.
Community: for the purposes of this document, community is not only a unified body of individuals,
such as a group with common interest living in a particular area, but also includes local governments
(villages, towns, cities, tribal areas, and counties).
Dam and Levee Flooding: occurs when a dam or levee fails to contain floodwater. The failure can
result from floodwater overtopping the dam or levee as well as if the dam or levee experiences a
structural failure, or breach, resulting in a release of floodwater.
Draft Blueprint: a programmatic and procedural document providing the framework to advance and
implement the North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint program.
Equity: the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including
individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as
Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and
queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons
otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.
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Exposure: the predisposition of an environmental, physical, social, and/or economic system to be
disrupted by a flooding hazard due to its location in the same area of influence.
Flash Flooding: characterized by a rapid rise in water, high velocities, and a large amount of debris.
Rainfall intensity and duration, as well as the steepness of watershed and stream gradients, are major
factors in flash flooding. The differentiator in this type of flooding is the speed of onset as opposed to
origin of flood water.
Flood Hazard: an event or physical condition that can cause fatalities, injuries, property damage,
infrastructure damage, agricultural loss, damage to the environment, interruption of business, or
other types of harm or loss.
Flood Impact: measurable damage resulting from a hazardous flooding event on people,
socioeconomic systems, environmental, structural, commercial and infrastructure assets.
Flood Resilience: the capacity of individuals, a community, business, or natural environment to
reduce, withstand, respond to, and recover from flooding by positively mitigating the impacts of
changing conditions and challenges including climate change, increasing rain fall, and sea level rise,
and adapting to those conditions.
Flood Resiliency Action Profiles: a set of actions, developed by communities in collaboration with
NCDEQ and its partners, informed by analyses of the relevant flood hazards, projected impact, and the
defined action or resiliency/mitigation project for that specific hazard risk to the community. The
Action Profile will further include benefit, cost estimates, feasibility, and complexity for completing
the action. The Action Profiles will also include regional mitigation actions.
Flood Resiliency Blueprint Tool: the “Blueprint Tool” is an online decision-support tool that
supports the development and implementation of River Basin Flood Resiliency Action Strategies. It
will allow end users (e.g., state agencies, regional entities, communities, and local governments) to
assess current and future flood risk and vulnerability based on the best available data and models,
identify and prioritize flood resiliency solutions, provide guidance on funding options, and track
implementation.
Flood Risk: combination of the likelihood of a flood hazard, the physical exposure of people and
assets to that flood hazard, and the vulnerability of people and assets to suffer loss and damage
during and after a flooding event.
Flood Vulnerability: the extent to which environmental, physical, social, and economic systems are
susceptible to floods due to exposure, in conjunction with its ability (or inability) to reduce, withstand,
respond to, and recover from a flood hazard.
Green Infrastructure: the range of measures that use plant or soil systems, permeable pavement or
other permeable surfaces or substrates, stormwater harvest and reuse, or landscaping to store,
infiltrate, or evapotranspirate stormwater and reduce flows to sewer systems or to surface waters.
Grey Infrastructure: traditional stormwater infrastructure in the built environment such as gutters,
drains, pipes, and traditional retention basins.
Groundwater Flooding: occurs when the water table in an area rises above the ground surface.
Hydraulics: branch of science concerned with the practical applications of fluids, primarily liquids, in
motion.
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Hydrology: the science that encompasses the occurrence, distribution, movement, and properties of
the waters of the earth and their relationship with the environment within each phase of the
hydrologic cycle.
Historically Marginalized: individuals, groups, and communities that have historically and
systematically been denied access to services, resources, and power relationships across economic,
political, and cultural dimensions as a result of systemic, durable, and persistent racism,
discrimination, and other forms of oppression.
Mining Flooding: occurs when water accumulates in mining operations such as open pits,
underground mines, and tailings dams. This can occur due to a range of factors, including heavy
rainfall, equipment failures, and human error. As with agricultural flooding, mine facilities are the
assets affected. Additionally, mines can be the source of flooding in instances where tailings dams
experience a breach or overtop or when a mine blowout occurs.
Mitigation: any effort that reduces the overall risk and severity of flood-related loss and damage to
life and property.
Mitigation (Compensatory): offsetting unavoidable impacts to wetlands, streams, and other aquatic
resources via restoration, establishment, enhancement, and/or preservation.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): the program of flood insurance coverage and floodplain
management administered under the National Flood Insurance Act and applicable Federal regulations
promulgated in Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subchapter B.
Natural Infrastructure Flood Mitigation Program (NIFMP): authorized by the North Carolina
General Assembly in 2020, the program within DMS that seeks to incorporate flood storage capacity
enhancement and nature-based solution projects into the division's activities.
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS): sustainable planning, design, environmental management, and
engineering practices that weave natural features or processes into the built environment to promote
adaptation and resilience and provide multi-benefit solutions. These solutions use natural features
and processes to combat climate change, reduce flood risk, improve water quality, protect coastal
property, restore and protect wetlands, stabilize shorelines, etc.
Non-Structural Mitigation: practices that reduce flood losses by removing people and property out
of risk areas. Non-structural mitigation techniques include elevated structures, property buyouts,
permanent relocation, zoning, subdivision, building codes, and stormwater detention requirements.
North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint (Blueprint): the North Carolina Flood Resiliency
Blueprint is a statewide initiative designed to bring together and build upon all relevant existing
resources and knowledge in the state to create one unified effort to increase community resiliency to
flooding. The Blueprint includes a statewide flood planning framework and decision-support tool that
enables state, tribal, regional, and local entities and their stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and
direct resources to implement effective flood resiliency strategies based on the best available science
and understanding of likely future conditions. The Blueprint will serve as the backbone of North
Carolina’s flood planning process through the development and implementation river basin specific
flood resiliency strategies. The report herein serves as the programmatic and procedural document
providing the framework to advance and implement the North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint
initiative.

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Overland Ponding: occurs when water accumulates on low-lying areas, resulting in the formation of
ponds or standing water. This can happen during heavy rainfall events, when drainage systems are
overwhelmed and water cannot be carried away quickly enough, or when there are obstructions or
barriers that prevent water from flowing away from an area.
Parish: a territorial division corresponding to a county in other states.
Pluvial Flooding: a pluvial flood occurs when a significant rainfall event creates a flood independent
of an overflowing water body such as a river. Pluvial flooding can happen in any location, urban or
rural, and even in areas with no nearby bodies of water.
Principal Advisory Group: a committee of subject matter experts comprised of representatives from
various sectors that provide advisory input and feedback on the Blueprint regarding the policy,
process, engagement, modeling, tools, and support used for the implementation of the decision-
support tool.
Repetitive Loss: an NFIP-insured building that has incurred flood-related damages on two occasions
during a 10-year period ending on the date of the event for which the insured makes a second claim.
The cost of repairing the flood damage, on average, must equal or exceed 25 percent of the market
value of the building at the time of each flood. The insurer must verify that the NFIP paid a claim for
both qualifying losses and that the state or community is enforcing a cumulative substantial damage
or repetitive loss provision in its law or ordinance and declared the building substantially damaged on
that basis.
Resilience: capacity of individuals, a community, business, or natural environment to reduce,
withstand, respond to, and recover from flooding by positively adapting and mitigating the impacts of
changing conditions and challenges, including flooding and climate change.
River Basin: the largest category of surface water drainage (i.e., an area of the landscape that is
drained by a river and its tributaries); there are 17 river basins in North Carolina.
River Basin Advisory Group: a committee of subject matter experts and representatives from various
sectors that provide advisory input and feedback on development of a River Basin Action Strategies.
River Basin Flood Resiliency Action Strategy: a “River Basin Action Strategy” is a strategic plan
specific to an individual river basin developed with the assistance of the Flood Resiliency Blueprint
Tool and informed by community and stakeholder input. This strategy outlines specific actions for
flood resilience, which are accompanied by potential funding strategies.
Riverine (Fluvial) Flooding: fluvial, or riverine, flooding occurs when excessive rainfall over an
extended period causes a river to exceed its channel capacity.
Stakeholders: people who contribute to the planning and decision-making processes of ongoing
resilience efforts in communities where they live, work, play, and invest.
State Agency: any of the more than 400 sub-units within the executive branch of the State, including
its departments, institutions, boards, commissions, universities, and units of the State.
State Departments: Department of Administration, Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services, Department of Commerce, Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Department of
Environmental Quality, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Information
Technology, Department of Insurance, Department of Justice, Department of Labor, Department of
Military and Veteran Affairs, Department of Public Instruction, Department of Public Safety,
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Department of Revenue, Department of State Treasurer, Office of the Secretary of the State,
Department of Transportation, Wildlife Resources Commission, Office of State Budget and
Management, Office of the Governor, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Office of The State Auditor,
Office of the State Controller.
Severe Repetitive Loss: an NFIP-insured building…
• That has incurred flood-related damage for which four or more separate claims payments have
been made, with the amount of each claim (including building and contents payments) exceeding
$5,000, and with the cumulative amount of such claim's payments exceeding $20,000; or
• For which at least two separate claims payments (building payments only) have been made under
such coverage, with the cumulative amount of such claims exceeding the market value of the
building.
In both instances, at least two of the claims must be within 10 years of each other, and claims made
within 10 days of each other will be counted as one claim. In determining Severe Repetitive Loss
status, FEMA considers the loss history since 1978, or from the building’s construction if it was built
after 1978, regardless of any changes in the ownership of the building.
Structural Mitigation: practices that reduce flood losses by reconstructing landscapes. Structural
mitigation techniques include floodwalls/seawalls, floodgates, levees, evacuation routes, and
stormwater control measures.
Susceptibility: the elements exposed within an environmental, physical, social, and/or economic
system that influence the probabilities of being harmed at times of hazardous floods.
Technical Advisory Group (TAG): the Blueprint TAGs is comprised of experts in their respective fields
that have specific knowledge and experience in the flood resiliency space. TAGs provide feedback,
input, expert opinion, and support to the Blueprint team. Seven TAGs contribute to the development
of the Blueprint, each with a specific focus on either government, environmental, social, or Neuse
River Basin-specific aspects. TAGS include Governance, Partnership/Funding, Hazard Identification,
Vulnerability/Risk/Impact, Resilience/Mitigation/Reduction, Tool Development/Acceptance, and the
Neuse Regional Advisory Group.
Underserved: populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities,
who have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social,
and civic life.
Under-resourced: populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities,
who have insufficient resources (often due to being underserved) to respond to and recover from
external stresses.
Urban and Stormwater Flooding: occurs when excess rainfall in an urban area is greater than can be
conveyed away from the developed area by the urban drainage system.
Vulnerable: (refers to socially vulnerable) populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as
geographic communities, which are more susceptible to adverse impacts of external stresses due to
characteristics that impact their resiliency.
Watershed: an area of land that contains a common set of waterbodies (streams, rivers, lakes, or
wetlands) that all drain into a single larger body of water. Watersheds can be defined at multiple
geographic scales. In North Carolina, 17 “major” watersheds (basins) are defined by statute.
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Workshop: a meeting at which a group of people engage in intensive discussion and activity on a
particular subject or project. Workshops are designed to engage participants and foster their active
involvement in the process.
7.2 Appendix B: Summary of Research
Research
Type Title
# of Occurrences or
Sources Description Source Document
Data
Collection &
Synthesis
Data Tools 8 Tools Resources meeting three
inclusion criteria: statewide
geographic scope, credible &
vetted, latest version
(Subtask 1.1) Literature
Review, and (Subtask 1.7)
Recommendations from
Existing Plans
Data
Collection &
Synthesis
Peer State Flood
Resiliency
Programs
6 Programs A review of governance schemes
from five peer states with
examples of how datasets,
models, and platforms are being
used for decision making and
the levels at which governance
decisions are made
(Subtask 1.5) Peer State
Flood Resiliency Programs
Data
Collection &
Synthesis
Flood Risk
Reduction Project
Funding Analysis
22 Online Funding
Navigator Tools
69 Funding Vehicles
16 Technical
Assistance
Mechanisms
3 Creative Strategy
Case Studies
An analysis of existing tools and
funding vehicles for flood risk
project funding
(Subtask 2.6) Flood Risk
Reduction Project Funding
Analysis
Data
Collection &
Synthesis
Inventory of
Existing Flood
Resilience
Strategies
36 Strategies
explored
A flood resiliency toolkit
outlining existing strategies for
mitigating and preventing
flooding
(Subtask 2.7) Existing
Inventory of “Toolkit” Flood
Resilience Strategies
Data
Collection &
Synthesis
Project
Restrictions
Analysis
31 Potential
Restrictions
Identification of existing federal,
tribal, and state restrictions that
impact the ability of state and
local governments to implement
flood resilience strategies. These
range from funding
requirements to government
interdependencies and
permitting requirements
(Subtask 2.9) Project
Restrictions Analysis
Data
Collection &
Synthesis
Identification of
Existing
Recommendations
15
Recommendations
Identifies specific
recommendations from existing
statewide planning efforts that
correspond with flood resilience
strategies and how they can be
effectively connected to the
Blueprint
(Subtask 2.10) Identification
of Existing
Recommendations
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Research
Type Title
# of Occurrences or
Sources Description Source Document
Data
Collection &
Synthesis
Identification and
Evaluation of
Online Flood
Mitigation
Decision-Making
Support Tools
3 Tools Identifies and evaluates three
existing online flood mitigation
decision-support tools. The
analysis includes pros, cons, and
recommended changes for
incorporation into Blueprint
(Subtask 2.11) Identification
and Evaluation of Online
Flood Mitigation Decision-
Making Support Tools
Data
Collection &
Synthesis
Artificial
Intelligence and
Machine Learning
Tools (AI/ML) to
Support the
Development of
Blueprint
8 Methods Identifies AI/ML tools that can be
used or developed to improve
the North Carolina Flood
Resiliency Blueprint
(Subtask 2.12) Artificial
Intelligence and Machine
Learning Tools to Support
the Development of the
Blueprint
Data
Collection &
Synthesis
Identification of
Vulnerable,
Underserved and
Under-resourced
Communities in
the Neuse River
Basin
4 Data Sources and
6 Communities
Identified
Identification of vulnerable,
underserved, and under-
resourced communities in the
Neuse River Basin
(Subtask 2.14) Identification
of Vulnerable, Underserved
and Under-resourced
Communities in the Neuse
River Basin
Gap
Analysis
Types and Sources
of Flooding
Inventory Gap
Analysis
128 Types/ Sources
Identified
Datasets within North Carolina
that could be available for use in
projects performed as part of
the North Carolina Flood
Resiliency Blueprint
(Subtask 2.1) Types and
Sources of Flooding
Inventory Gap Analysis
Gap
Analysis
Hydrologic and
Hydraulic
Modeling Gap
Analysis
21 Datasets Identifies and evaluates riverine
H&H modeling within North
Carolina that could be available
for use in projects performed as
part of the North Carolina Flood
Resiliency Blueprint
(Subtask 2.4) Hydrologic
and Hydraulic Modeling Gap
Analysis
Gap
Analysis
Future Flood
Hazards Gap
Analysis
10 Datasets Identifies scientifically
defensible data necessary to
analyze future flood hazards:
future land use, climate, and
other relevant data
(Subtask 2.5) Future Flood
Hazards Gap Analysis
Gap
Analysis
Nature Based
Solutions Gap
Analysis
10 Research &
Planning Initiatives
7 Federal Datasets
13 State Datasets
4 State Policies
6 Federal Policies
Assess existing datasets and
methods for identifying natural
infrastructure and estimating
their functions
(Subtask 2.8) Nature Based
Solutions Gap Analysis
Literature
Review
Plans & Strategies 48 Sources Resources meeting three
inclusion criteria: statewide
geographic scope, credible and
vetted, latest version
(Subtask 1.1) Literature
Review, (Subtask 1.7)
Recommendations from
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Research
Type Title
# of Occurrences or
Sources Description Source Document
Existing Plans, and (Subtask
2.3) Neuse Expansion
Literature
Review
Technical Reports
& Memos
14 Sources Resources meeting three
inclusion criteria: statewide
geographic scope, credible &
vetted, latest version
(Subtask 1.1) Literature
Review, (Subtask 1.7)
Recommendations from
Existing Plans, and (Subtask
2.3) Neuse Expansion
Literature
Review
State Laws &
Policies
3 Sources Resources meeting three
inclusion criteria: statewide
geographic scope, credible &
vetted, latest version
(Subtask 1.1) Literature
Review
Literature
Review
Research Projects
& Studies
10 Sources Resources meeting three
inclusion criteria: statewide
geographic scope, credible &
vetted, latest version
(Subtask 1.1) Literature
Review, (Subtask 1.7)
Recommendations from
Existing Plans, and (Subtask
2.3) Neuse Expansion
Literature
Review
Programs 6 Sources Resources meeting three
inclusion criteria: statewide
geographic scope, credible &
vetted, latest version
(Subtask 1.1) Literature
Review, (Subtask 1.7)
Recommendations from
Existing Plans, and (Subtask
2.3) Neuse Expansion
Stakeholder
Outreach &
Engagement
Advisory Group 37 Meetings Meetings with over 150
Technical Advisory Group
members, who were identified
from individuals who had
worked on the planning
documents suggested by
NCDEQ, state agency staff,
federal partners, local floodplain
administrators and engineers,
non-profit organizations, and
university flooding modelers
North Carolina subject
matter experts (Subtask 3.8,
Addressing Challenges and
Subtask 1.3, Stakeholder
Engagement Plan)
Stakeholder
Outreach &
Engagement
Community
Engagement
14 Meetings Open house-style public
meetings and workshops
including councils of
government, municipal and
county leaders, private interest,
non-governmental entities,
tribal representatives, and
representatives of under-
resourced and underserved
populations, including
populations protected by Title VI
of the Civil Rights Act
General public (Subtask 3.8,
Addressing Challenges and
Subtask 1.3, Stakeholder
Engagement Plan)

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7.3 Appendix C: Stakeholder Engagement Meetings
This appendix may not include all presentations to conferences, symposia, board meetings, etc. made
by Blueprint staff and associates. Meetings that are planned but have not yet occurred are not
included but may be found on the Blueprint website when scheduled.
Date Location Stakeholder Group(s)
03/15/2023 Goldsboro Kickoff Meeting
Neuse Basin Advisory Group
Governance TAG Meeting
Partnership TAG Meeting
Hazard ID TAG Meeting
Vulnerability TAG Meeting
Resilience TAG Meeting
Tools TAG Meeting
03/22/2023 Raleigh Principal Advisory Group Meeting
05/03/2023 Raleigh Neuse Basin Advisory Group Meeting
Governance TAG Meeting
Partnership TAG Meeting
Hazard ID TAG Meeting
Vulnerability TAG Meeting
Resilience TAG Meeting
Tools TAG Meeting
06/01/2023 New Bern New Bern Local Officials Meeting
New Bern Community Engagement Meeting
Neuse Basin Community Workshop
06/08/2023 Lumberton Lumberton Local Officials Meeting
Lumberton Community Engagement Meeting
06/09/2023 Wilmington Wilmington Local Officials Meeting
Wilmington Community Engagement Meeting
06/22/2023 Clyde Haywood County Local Officials Meeting
06/22/2023 Canton Haywood County Community Engagement Meeting
06/30/2023 Raleigh Neuse Basin Advisory Group Meeting
Governance TAG Meeting
Partnership TAG Meeting
Hazard ID TAG Meeting
Vulnerability TAG Meeting
Resilience TAG Meeting
Tools TAG Meeting
07/18/2023 Raleigh Principal Advisory Group Meeting
07/25/2023 Raleigh Neuse Basin Advisory Group Meeting
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Date Location Stakeholder Group(s)
Governance TAG Meeting
Partnership TAG Meeting
Hazard ID TAG Meeting
Vulnerability TAG Meeting
Resilience TAG Meeting
Tools TAG Meeting
09/13/2023 Virtual Neuse Basin Advisory Group Workshop
10/06/2023 Raleigh Neuse Riverine Modeling with TAG
11/02/2023 Raleigh Neuse Basin Advisory Group Meeting
Governance TAG Meeting
Partnership TAG Meeting
Hazard ID TAG Meeting
Vulnerability TAG Meeting
Resilience TAG Meeting
Tools TAG Meeting
11/08/2023 Raleigh Principal Advisory Group Meeting
12/06/2023 Raleigh Principal Advisory Group Meeting
Neuse Basin Advisory Group Meeting
Governance TAG Meeting
Partnership TAG Meeting
Hazard ID TAG Meeting
Vulnerability TAG Meeting
Resilience TAG Meeting
Tools TAG Meeting
12/19/2023 Raleigh Principal Advisory Group Meeting
Neuse Basin Advisory Group Meeting
Governance TAG Meeting
Partnership TAG Meeting
Hazard ID TAG Meeting
Vulnerability TAG Meeting
Resilience TAG Meeting
Tools TAG Meeting

7.4 Appendix D: River Basin Flood Resiliency Strategies Procedures
Manual – Forthcoming
A detailed procedures document is being developed and will be available in a subsequent version of
this Blueprint document.