ReBuild NC, the state’s long-term disaster recovery program, will hold three public hearings to receive public comment and input on a draft action plan for spending $168 million in Community Development Block Grant–Mitigation funding allocated to North Carolina by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Under federal guidelines, the funds must be used to implement community projects that strengthen local infrastructure and reduce future losses in areas impacted by hurricanes Matthew and Florence.
“These funds will help communities coordinate local planning activities and projects that will make them more resilient in the face of future storms,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “It’s important for people to have an opportunity to weigh in and learn how communities can rebuild smarter and stronger.”
Interactive sessions and presentations planned for the hearings will include information on what mitigation is and how the HUD mitigation funding may be used. People who attend will also have an opportunity to provide public comments and ask questions of state mitigation experts. Public hearing dates and locations are as follows:
Robeson County
6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14
Robeson Community College
A.D. Lewis Auditorium (Building 15)
5160 Fayetteville Road
Lumberton, NC 28360
Edgecombe County
6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15
Edgecombe Community College
Keihin Auditorium
2009 W. Wilson Street
Tarboro, NC 27886
Craven County
6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16
Grover C. Fields Middle School
Performing Arts Center
2000 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
New Bern, NC 28560
At all three hearings, doors will open at 6 p.m. and presentations will begin at 6:30 p.m. People who would like to provide public comments will be given three minutes to speak. Those wishing to speak are encouraged to bring a written copy of their comments to the hearing. Written public comments may also be submitted by email to publiccomments@rebuild.nc.gov or by mail to P.O. Box 110465, Durham, NC 27709. Anyone needing special accommodations at a public hearing should call 984-833-4344 or send an email to: info@rebuild.nc.gov. For additional information, please visit the ReBuild NC website.