Council adopts regional hazard mitigation plan to preserve grant eligibility

The Town of Sunset Beach council voted May 4 to adopt the updated Southeast North Carolina (SENC) regional hazard mitigation plan. Staff and the project consultant explained the regional plan identifies local and county‑level mitigation strategies and is required to qualify municipalities for certain federal hazard mitigation grants and reimbursement programs.

Consultants summarized the planning process, which included public meetings, surveys and stakeholder engagement. The update cataloged hazards (flooding, storms, cyber and heat events), assessed vulnerabilities, and recommended mitigation actions tailored to each participant jurisdiction. The plan was prepared by regional consultants and coordinated with Brunswick County and other area municipalities.

Council was told adoption will help the town remain eligible for FEMA hazard mitigation grants and ensure the town's mitigation priorities are documented for funding opportunities. Staff noted the plan also lists potential action steps for Sunset Beach, such as emergency operations center consideration and targeted flood mitigation projects. Adoption was carried by voice vote at the meeting.

The town will remain in the regional planning group and can amend or add local action items during the five‑year review cycle; the plan will be refreshed again when required.