North Raleigh Today

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources (DWR) is currently accepting project proposals aimed at flood reduction and resilience in specific river basins within the state. The initiative follows a $5 million allocation from the NC Flood Resiliency Blueprint under the Division of Mitigation Services. The focus is on projects like water retention, floodplain restoration, or nature-based flood mitigation efforts in river basins such as Cape Fear, French Broad, Lumber, Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, and White Oak.

These grants represent a one-time funding opportunity for local government units, including counties, cities, towns, or regional councils of government. Collaborations with non-governmental organizations are encouraged. Proposals must be submitted by June 30. Priority will be given to projects that are ready to commence and promise significant benefits in flood reduction or resiliency. Grant funding may cover up to 66.67% of construction costs while the remaining non-federal construction costs must be borne by the grantee.

In addition to flood mitigation projects, DWR is inviting proposals for stream restoration, water-based recreation, and water management initiatives as part of the spring 2025 application cycle for the Water Resources Development Grant Program.

The State & Local Projects program offers cost-sharing grants covering up to 50% of non-federal project costs for stream restoration and related projects. Stream restoration efforts on agricultural lands can also receive support through cost-sharing with the Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Annually, DWR typically allocates $3 million for state and local projects and $2 million for EQIP-related projects.

Further information about these opportunities can be accessed on the Water Resources Development Grant program website. This includes details about previously funded projects available via updated interactive storymaps under the Featured Projects link. For additional inquiries, contact Amin Davis at amin.davis@deq.nc.gov.