The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management is inviting applications for Phases 1 through 4 of the N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP). This initiative aims to enhance local coastal resilience capabilities. Approximately $2 million will be available for Phases 1 and 2, and about $6 million for Phases 3 and 4 in fiscal year 2025-2026. Applications are due by April 25, 2025, at 5 p.m.
An informational webinar on the application process is scheduled for March 21 from 2-3:30 p.m.
The division seeks applications from county and municipal governments within the state’s coastal counties and qualified contractors to provide technical assistance. Eligible contractors include private planning and engineering firms, Councils of Government, NGOs, and academic institutions. These phases help communities assess risks, engage stakeholders, and prioritize projects to enhance resilience.
Communities can also apply to update their CAMA Land Use Plans with resilience strategies developed through the RCCP. This work may occur alongside or independently of Phases 1 and 2.
For community applications in Phases 1-4:
Eligibility: Municipal and county governments in North Carolina’s coastal counties
Submission deadline: April 25, 2025, by 5 p.m.
Application materials are available on the RCCP website.
For contractor applications in Phases 1 & 2:
Eligibility: Private planning/engineering firms, Councils of Government, NGOs, academic institutions
Submission deadline: April 25, 2025, by 5 p.m.
Application materials are available on the RCCP website.
The Program Planning Handbook offers guidance for completing Phases 1 and 2 using existing data and resources.
Phase 3 funding supports engineering/design for prioritized projects identified earlier in the program. Proposals may include design completion up to near implementation readiness or policy development to enhance resilience.
Phase 4 provides funds for implementing prioritized projects identified earlier or equivalent efforts completed outside the program’s initial phases. Grant funds support construction projects enhancing community resilience against hazards like flooding or erosion.
The RCCP addresses barriers to coastal resilience such as limited capacity and economic constraints while assisting communities with risk assessments and project development. The program advances projects to “shovel-ready” status and links them to funding streams for implementation.
Phases include:
Phase 1: Community Engagement/Risk Assessment
Phase 2: Planning/Project Prioritization
Phase 3: Engineering/Design
Phase 4: Project Implementation
Questions can be directed to RCCP@deq.nc.gov.
