N.C. Hurricane Relief Law Represents Environmental Victory

Over the weekend, Gov. Mike Easley signed into law a measure providing hurricane relief for western North Carolina, which is still struggling with the aftereffects of hurricanes Ivan and Frances. The storms, which struck last September, triggered floods and landslides that killed 11 people, destroyed 140 homes and damaged more than 16,000 others throughout the region.

Environmental organizations worked for passage of the legislation, which in addition to providing more than $247 million in aid to local governments, businesses and individuals also requires the state Department of Crime Control and Public Safety and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to update floodplain maps, identify areas of dangerous riverbank erosion and prepare landslide hazard maps. In addition, the measure outlaws construction of any new residence in the 100-year floodplain except in areas managed by local floodplain ordinances.

“While there is no way for legislation to undo the pain and loss caused by the hurricanes, this legislation will help get communities and families back on their feet, and will help limit the scope of damage from future disasters by keeping people out of harm’s way,” according to a statement from the N.C. Conservation Network.