Board adopts updated regional hazard mitigation plan to preserve federal funding eligibility

The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners adopted the 2026 Southeastern North Carolina Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan at its April 6 meeting.

Jim Ionuggi, presenting for the regional planning team, told commissioners the update covers New Hanover and surrounding counties (Pender, Brunswick and Onslow) and revises mitigation priorities to address flooding, coastal erosion and other natural and non‑natural risks such as cyber threats and infectious disease. Ionuggi emphasized that the Disaster Mitigation Act requires these five‑year updates for jurisdictions to remain eligible for federal mitigation funding programs, including BRIC and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Staff and the consultant highlighted the plan’s mix of structural and non‑structural measures (stormwater projects, stream gauges, coordination with regional partners and planning actions that tie land use to infrastructure). Commissioners asked clarifying questions about funding mechanisms and program timelines; staff said the resolution would allow the county and partners to pursue potential mitigation grants.

The board voted to adopt the plan; staff will submit the final document to state and federal partners and continue the grant pursuit and implementation process.

Adoption does not itself obligate county funding for specific projects, but continued eligibility is a prerequisite for many federal mitigation dollars.

Next steps include incorporation of local action items into department work plans and pursuit of any grant opportunities identified in the plan.