Out of Harm's Way: Relocation Strategies to Reduce Flood Risk

The city of Kinston, North Carolina experienced devastating flood losses in the 1990s. After a string of three hurricanes flooded or damaged over 75% of homes in Lenoir county, Kinston took action to improve flood resiliency. The city purchased flood-prone properties and relocated neighborhoods to higher ground. This restored natural floodplain functions and allowed for the passive restoration of floodplain lands. During the next big storm, the purchase and relocation of the first 100 homes saved the city $6 million in avoided flood losses. The city used GIS for analysis of ideal relocation scenarios and to inform the community and generate public support.