Central Pines Regional Resilience Portfolio
Central Pines
The Central Pines Regional Council (formerly Triangle J Council of Governments) region includes Chatham, Johnston, Lee and Moore counties.
The Central Pines Regional Council (formerly known as the Triangle J Council of Governments) 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 Central Pines Regional Council is offering project guidance, a local leader has been hired by the NC Rural Center to provide facilitation support and AECOM is providing technical assistance.
Stay Informed
The Duke Energy Foundation awarded Accelerator Grant Program funding to support the following resilience project identified in the Central Pines region's Resilience Project Portfolio:
Planning a River Warning System and Evaluating Backup Power Needs
- Applicant: Central Pines Regional Council
- Amount: $65,000
- Project Summary: The Central Pines Regional Council will begin work on two projects: 1) Convening stakeholders to identify and implement a solution for aiding emergency responders in locating individuals on the Haw River calling for help; and 2) Evaluating needs for backup power at critical facilities. Project No. 2 will help county emergency management staff to accurately fill out the NC Emergency Management Generator Request Form so they can request temporary or rental generators when needed. It will also allow for capital planning to plan for and purchase backup power sources. Finally, through Project No. 2, the Central Pines Regional Council intends to scope at least one site that would be suitable for a micro-grid, with equipment needs and costs specified.
Review the Climate Resilience Portfolio
The Climate Resilience Projects Portfolio for the Central Pines 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 Central Pines 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: Central Pines Regional Resilience Portfolio Project
Sept. 21, 2022: 6–7:30 p.m.
Workshop attendees had a chance to learn more about the Central Pines Regional Resilience Portfolio Project and give feedback on potential regional projects and strategies to build future community resilience in Chatham, Johnston, Lee and Moore 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 27, 2022: 5:30–7 p.m.
During this workshop, community stakeholders learned about the Central Pines Regional Resilience Portfolio Project and had the chance to provide input on important project elements such as the vulnerability assessment. Participants also had a chance to use a virtual room to provide input on issues in their region via an interactive mapping platform and a comment forum.
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For more information about the state's RISE initiative in the Central Pines region, contact NCORR Resilience Policy Advisor Andrea Webster.
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
The RISE effort builds on analysis and planning conducted over the last several years. These resources include: