Flood resilience
Community Flood Mapping
Carteret County is experiencing increased flooding as a result of sea level rise from climate change. Lighthouse worked with NCSU’s Coastal Dynamic Design Lab to create a ‘Floodprint’ for the North River, Laurel Road and Merrimon communities.
A floodprint is a landscape design approach created by NCSU that identifies flood resilience community projects
The North River Floodprint identified 4 community projects through a series of workshops that identified strengths, challenges and community vision
Flood analysis of Carteret County
The CDDL worked with Dr. Barbara Doll to develop a detailed flood analysis for all of Carteret County. This analysis identified potential flooding scenarios, roads and locations that were vulnerable to flooding in the event of a king tide and rain event, similar to the extreme flooding that the county experienced in October of 2025.
Future Sea Level Rise
Based on the current sea level rise trajectory, the sea is forecasted to rise an additional 1 to 2 ft in the next 25 years.
flood resilient community space
The community identified the old community center as a place that the community wanted to rebuild. However, the old community center was in a location extremely susceptible to flooding, which would result in long-term challenges such as interior flooding, rising costs of flood insurance and accessibility.
The NCSU team designed an outdoor community space and the James Fulcher Foundation jumped in to provide brand new playground equipment.
Home Elevations
Homes in the area experience frequent flooding which has resulted in mold leading to health issues
The NCSU team with Lighthouse identified 11 homes that needed elevating and have submitted applications to FEMA for assistance in home elevation
Stats in big text from vulnerability assessment and shellfish sanitation survey
(please share)
30%
50%
20%
60%
How the program works
Assess Community Vulnerability
We’ve partnered with the EPA and engineering experts from AECOM, ERM to assess community vulnerabilities which includes evaluating soil types, current conditions and projected conditions under various SLR scenarios.
Develop Wastewater Solutions
Experts develop suite of wastewater options with cost estimates abd management requirements.
Engage the Community
We facilitate workshops with the community to determine most suitable options.
Plan for Implementation
We work with experts to identify financial strategies and necessary training for implementation.
Timeline
2025-October 2026 Planning
Fall 2026- 2027 Identifying Funding
2027+ Implementation