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Mitigation Strategy Report FEMA-1134-DR-NC State of North Carolina Division of Emergency Management The Coastal Barrier Improvement Act (CBIA) of 1990 delineated additional Cobra Zones. Some examples of Federal funding which is unavailable in Cobra Zones include: federally guaranteed home loans, flood insurance policies, and most Federal grant programs. Most Federal disaster assistance is also prohibited in Cobra Zones. Structures, located in Cobra Zones, and constructed prior to CBRA designation, are not held to these standards. Within the corporate limits of North Topsail Beach, there are approximately 400 structures in a designated Cobra Zone which have been constructed after the implementation of CBRA. It is unclear how these structures were financed given the unavailability of Federally backed mortgages or flood insurance. Some of the structures were erroneously issued flood insurance policies by private insurance companies in violation oflhe NFIP. NFIP policies issued for post-CBRA structures cannot be honored. An increased level of public awareness is vital to allaining the objectives of CBRA. This heightened awareness can only come from aggressive community leadership and effective community outreach on behalf of the State. Four specific measures, initiated by coastal communities, the real estate industry, and the State, should assist in this endeavor. One, coastal communities should provide information to current and potential residents and business persons regarding the policy implications of CBRA. Two, coastal communities and the State should provide information to current and potential residents and business persons regarding the stipulations expressed in CBRA as they relate to the availability of flood insurance and Federal assistance. Three, real estate agents who sell coastal property should inform all buyers of the hazards associated with home ownership or the operation of a business on a barrier island. Four, real estate agents should be thoroughly familiar with existing Cobra Zones and the implications of purchasing property in these areas. The designation of Cobra Zones has not guaranteed that the requirements of the Act are being followed. For example, several million dollars in new infrastructure exists in the CBRS Units on North Topsail Beach. This new infrastructure will likely encourage additional development. Thus, municipalities and local citizens must be made aware of the requirements and restrictions associated with CBRA in order for the Act to be truly successful. In addition, any future development should comply with CBRA and sound land use planning techniques. Finally, the State, namely North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (DCM) and EM, working with the federal government, should initiate an improved CBRA enforcement policy. DCM and EM should assist the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the federal agency responsible for CBRA enforcement, with the on-going review of potential sites for CBRA designation. The two State agencies should also serve as intermediaries between local governments and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Thus, State agencies who are more familiar with local ecological, social, economic, and political conditions, should prove effective mediators of this sometimes contentious issue. The information obtained by State agencies during their interaction with local officials should be forwarded to FWS to assist in their decision-making process. . Coastal Dune System Erosion The extensive erosion of the beaches and primary dune systems caused by Hurricane Bertha in July was greatly exacerbated by Fran less than two months later. Serious erosion occurred to numerous beaches along the North Carolina coast, including North Topsail Beach, Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and Emerald Isle. All dune systems are subject to erosion in major storms. Continued development along the coast diminishes the natural dune rebuilding process from onshore winds. Therefore, existing dune fields should be maintained using native vegetation and sand fencing to promote additional dune growth. CAMA's prohibition of the culling of roadways or paths through the dune line should be stringently enforced. Elevated timber crossovers should be used for pedestrian traffic in accordance with existing regulations. Finally, the reconstruction of substantially damaged seawalls, revetments, groins, or jellies should not be allowed in order to facilitate the natural movement of sand. Page 13