North Carolina Resilient Communities Program
The Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) originated from the North Carolina Climate Risk Assessment & Resilience Plan and was developed by the NC Division of Coastal Management in partnership with the NC Office of Recovery and Resilience, the Nature Conservancy, and NC Sea Grant.
Funded by federal and state recovery efforts following Hurricane Florence, the program provides a structured framework to help coastal communities plan and prepare for the impacts of climate and coastal hazards.
Program Phases
The RCCP is divided into four key phases:
Phase 1: Community Engagement and Risk & Vulnerability Assessment
Activities include developing a Community Action Team, conducting a risk assessment, and gathering input from the public.
Phase 2: Planning, Project Selection, & Prioritization
Communities identify and prioritize actions to address both short- and long-term coastal hazards using data and community input.
Phase 3: Engineering and Design
Grants are awarded to communities that have completed Phases 1 and 2 to develop detailed designs for shovel-ready projects.
Phase 4: Implementation
Communities that complete all prior phases are eligible for grants to implement their engineered projects.
What is Resilience?
Resilience is the ability of a community or system to withstand or recover quickly from challenges such as flooding, storm events, or sea level rise.
The Town of Kitty Hawk uses a triple-bottom-line approach to resilience planning, which considers:
- Social impacts
- Environmental impacts
- Economic impacts
Outer Banks Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Outer Banks is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and vibrant coastal communities, but it is also an area shaped by powerful forces of nature. Hurricanes, flooding, coastal erosion, and severe storms are part of life here, and preparing for them is essential to protecting our people, property, and way of life.
The Outer Banks Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan is our shared blueprint for building resilience. Developed in partnership with local governments, emergency managers, and community members, this plan identifies the region’s most significant hazards and outlines strategies to reduce risk, safeguard critical infrastructure, and protect the natural environment.
A Community-Driven Approach to Resilience
This plan is more than a document—it’s a collaborative effort that reflects the values, priorities, and expertise of the Outer Banks region. By combining the latest hazard data, proven mitigation practices, and the lived experiences of residents, the plan serves as both a guide for decision-makers and a resource for the public.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to protect your property, a business owner seeking to prepare for future disruptions, or simply a resident who wants to stay informed, the Outer Banks Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan offers practical steps and long-term strategies for a safer, stronger, and more resilient coastal community.
Community Action Team
The Community Action Team (CAT) is a group of local professionals and residents providing technical expertise and community insight throughout the RCCP planning process. This multi-disciplinary team supports planning, hazard mitigation, emergency response, and infrastructure resilience.
Community Action Team Members:
- Rob Testerman – CAT Champion / Director of Planning and Inspections
- David Morton – Retired Building Inspector
- Carlos Gomez – Civil Engineer
- Amy Wells – Involved Local Resident
- Willie Midgett – Director of Public Works
- Mike Talley – Fire Chief
- Jimmy Helms – Police Lieutenant
- John Delucia – Town Engineer
- Pete Mantz – Parks and Recreation Committee Member
- Paul Henriques – Parks and Recreation Committee Member
- Kasen Wally – NC Division of Coastal Management
- Mackenzie Todd – NC Division of Coastal Management
Resources
- Resilient Coastal Communities Planning Handbook
- RCCP Report – November 2023
- RCCP Report – December 2023
Land Use Plan (LUP) Updates
Planning Department Contact Information
Kitty Hawk Town Hall – Planning Department
101 Veterans Memorial Drive
P.O. Box 549
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Phone: (252) 261-3552
Email: rob.testerman@kittyhawknc.gov