Legislative Watch: Cooper Will Recommend “Smarter” Rebuilding
Gov. Roy Cooper indicates that he will recommend rules for smarter reconstruction of flooded properties as a part of his storm recovery package in the special legislative session scheduled to begin today (Monday, October 15).
Cooper released a proposal to fund $750 million of an eventual $1.5 billion package for recovery and reconstruction following Hurricanes Florence and Michael. The package includes expansion of a buyout program to move hog farms out of routinely flooded areas, incentives to replace their open sewage lagoons with more environmentally friendly options, grants to help repair and improve water and sewer systems that failed during the storms, and funding to move 1,000 families out of the 100-year floodplain.
“From this devastation we must seize the opportunity to rebuild stronger and smarter,” said Cooper. “We can repair the damage with more resilient buildings, roads and homes. We can help move people and their belongings from harm’s way. We can make sure those who live and do business along our rivers are protected from flood waters.”
Environmental advocates called Cooper’s ideas a good start which could be expanded further.
“The governor’s recommendation to increase funding for buyouts of houses and farms in flood-prone areas is a good start for helping North Carolina communities recover,” commented Environmental Defense Fund’s (EDF) Director of Resilient Landscapes, Will McDow. “But policymakers must consider the full suite of potential solutions, including much-needed investments in natural infrastructure, and pursue the most cost-effective options that can be deployed rapidly to reduce risks for communities in the near- and long-term.”
Initial reaction to Cooper’s package from the legislature’s majority leadership was restrained. We will see how they actually address those recommendations starting today.
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