Mid-East Regional Resilience Portfolio

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Tar River next to East Carolina University in Greenville, NC

Mid-East

The Mid-East Commission region includes Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin and Pitt counties.

The Mid-East Commission is working with NCORR’s RISE Program to develop a portfolio of priority projects that strengthen regional resilience. This multi-phase effort includes a forward-looking vulnerability assessment, the identification of five to 10 high-priority projects and a list of the actions needed to implement each proposed project. A diverse stakeholder partnership is guiding the project to ensure that the scope of work reflects local priorities. The Mid-East Commission is offering project guidance, a local leader has been hired by the NC Rural Center to provide facilitation support and Tetra Tech is providing technical assistance.

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Review the Climate Resilience Portfolio

The Regional Resilience Project Portfolio for the Mid-East Region identifies priority projects and strategies that reduce the risks associated with extreme weather events and enhance regional resilience. The portfolio aims to produce shovel-ready actions with detailed implementation steps, including estimated costs, potential implementing partners, likely project completion challenges and more.

Review the Vulnerability Assessment

The Climate Change and Natural Hazards Vulnerability Assessment for the Mid-East Region is a report describing past problems and future risks associated with extreme weather events such as hurricanes, flooding, extreme temperatures, droughts and wildfires. The report outlines the impacts of these climate hazards on housing, the environment and the economy.

Public Workshop #2: Mid-East Regional Resilience Portfolio Project

Oct. 11, 2022: 6:30–8 p.m.  |  Oct. 12, 2022: 9–10:30 a.m.

Workshop attendees had a chance to learn more about the Mid-East Regional Resilience Portfolio Project and give feedback on potential regional projects and strategies to build future community resilience in Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin and Pitt counties. Five to 10 prioritized strategies or projects will be included in the final portfolio, which will identify specific ways to help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters and climate hazards.

Public Workshop #1: Understanding Vulnerability from the Local Perspective

April 14, 2022: 10–11 a.m. and 6–7 p.m.  |  April 23, 2022: 1:30–2:30 p.m.

During this workshop, community stakeholders learned about the Mid-East Regional Resilience Portfolio Project and provided feedback on regional response and recovery strengths and weaknesses. Participants also had a chance to share personal experiences with disaster preparedness and recovery, and engage in small group discussions about climate hazards.

If you would like to receive occasional news about the project, please subscribe to email updates.

  • For more information about the state's RISE initiative in the Mid-East Commission region, contact NCORR Resilient Communities Program Manager Brian Byfield.
  • For information about the program's local activities, contact RISE Mid-East Region Facilitator Loni Crumb.
  • Technical Assistance Lead: Jim Bass (Tetra Tech)

If you are interested in joining the Mid-East Stakeholder Partnership, please reach out to any of the regional contacts listed above.

Project Overview

Step 1. Vulnerability Assessment

The first phase of the project is the development of a vulnerability assessment. This analysis brings together science and local knowledge to paint a picture of hazards in the region and how they may change in the future.

Step 2. Propose and Prioritize Projects

The second phase of the project is the development of a portfolio of several projects that have regional benefits for resilience. Proposed projects could include construction projects, nature-based solutions, outreach and capacity building activities, or planning and policy developments. The regional benefit could come in many forms, such as reducing downstream flooding, offering a resource to multiple local governments, or crafting a pilot project with replicability in other places.

A critical component of developing the portfolio is finding achievable paths to implementation, including funding sources and capacity considerations. The region will have the opportunity to select a project for seed funding from the Duke Energy Foundation RISE Accelerator Grant Program.

Resource Documents

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The RISE effort builds on analysis and planning conducted over the last several years. These resources include:

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