Thom Tillis Press Release

American Flood Coalition

American Flood Coalition Recognizes Senator Thom Tillis as a Federal Champion

As North Carolina communities face stronger storms and more frequent flooding, Senator Tillis commits to driving solutions to address flooding and sea level rise.

WASHINGTON, DC — January 18, 2023 — The American Flood Coalition today recognized Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) as a Federal Champion in light of his leadership to advance recoveries across North Carolina from major floods, as well as his steadfast pursuit of proactive flooding solutions. 

“Having seen the devastating human and economic damage from major floods in our state first hand, I remain committed to advancing common sense steps that protect North Carolinians now and into the future,” said Senator Tillis. “I am grateful to be recognized as a Federal Champion by the American Flood Coalition for my efforts to invest in flood resilient infrastructure and ensure faster, more effective recoveries after floods strike. I look forward to continuing this work in partnership with AFC and its broad membership in North Carolina.” 

Senator Tillis joins 27 members of congress, including seven senators, who have been recognized as AFC Federal Champions, a designation for federal leaders who are dedicated to advancing proactive solutions to stronger storms, more frequent flooding, and rising seas. The first U.S. Senator from North Carolina with this recognition, Senator Tillis joins Representatives Greg Murphy and David Rouzer as AFC Federal Champions from the Tar Heel state. 

“North Carolina is on the front lines of flooding, both coastal and inland. Fortunately, Senator Tillis has been a dedicated leader in protecting communities from floods and building a more resilient future,” said Melissa Roberts, AFC’s Executive Director.From spearheading recovery from Hurricanes Matthew and Florence to his steadfast support for the bipartisan infrastructure law, Senator Tillis is an outstanding addition to AFC’s impressive roster of Federal Champions.” 

“Senator Tillis and his commitment to building flood resilience has been invaluable for North Carolina,” said Tony McEwen, AFC’s Carolinas Director. “In responding to tropical storms and hurricanes and in preparing for potential impacts, Senator Tillis has shown a dedication to creating a stronger, safer future for North Carolinians, including AFC’s over 60 members in the state.” 

Senator Tillis has been a strong voice for ensuring accurate and transparent understanding of flood risk. He has also led on proposals to expedite approval processes for time-sensitive post-disaster mitigation projects, providing local leaders with flexibility to respond to their community’s urgent needs, while ensuring they remain eligible for federal resources.  

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About the American Flood Coalition

The American Flood Coalition is a nonpartisan group that brings together cities, elected officials, military leaders, businesses, and civic groups to drive adaptation to higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding. The Coalition advances solutions that support flood-affected communities and protect our nation’s residents, economy, and military installations. AFC has over 330 members across 21 states, as well as 28 Federal Champions. For more on the organization’s work or how to become a member, visit floodcoalition.org.

About Federal Champions

The American Flood Coalition is an IRS Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The American Flood Coalition is not a Congressional Member Organization, nothing on this website shall be read to imply official sponsorship by either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate or any of their respective Members, and Federal Champions have no membership obligations or fiduciary responsibilities with respect to the American Flood Coalition. Federal Champion is an honorary title awarded by the American Flood Coalition to recognize Members of Congress who have come together to drive adaptation to the reality of higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding.

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Disaster declaration
A Presidential Disaster Declaration unlocks a suite of federal programs that assist local governments with disaster recovery. This is a good filter for communities included in recent Disaster Declarations related to flooding.
Nature-based solutions
The program has a strong focus on providing assistance to promote a healthy ecosystem as a critical defense against flooding impacts. Eligible activities may include floodplain restoration, environmental stewardship, projects that use natural features to mitigate erosion, and living shorelines.
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The program encourages or requires collaboration between government entities and stakeholders, including the private sector, to fund, develop, or implement projects.
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The program accepts applications on an ongoing basis with no fixed deadline.

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Planning
The gathering of data and information regarding the extent and impacts of flooding. Eligible activities may include data acquisition, risk assessment, and environmental analysis.
Design & scoping
Covers pre-construction activities, such as defining project scope, developing technical designs, and securing funding to prepare for implementation.
Construction & implementation
Involves carrying out flood resilience projects, including building infrastructure and deploying solutions to reduce flood risks.

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Funding (grants)
A monetary award that does not need to be repaid. Many federal grants are reimbursable, meaning recipients must cover project costs upfront and then request reimbursement from the government.
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A government-issued loan that must be repaid. These loans typically provide funding upfront, helping communities cover project costs before repayment begins.
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Assistance from the government in the form of services — such as project planning, engineering and design support, data analysis, training, capacity building, or collaboration through a cooperative agreement — instead of direct funding.

Some programs provide extra support for specific project types or communities. Do any of these apply to your project?

Small or rural communities
Programs that set aside funding, offer loan forgiveness, or adjust cost share requirements for communities with smaller populations.
Small or low-cost projects
Programs that offer reduced requirements for smaller projects, such as waived cost-sharing or exemptions from benefit-cost analysis.
Regional or watershed focus
Programs that support projects that take a watershed management approach or address flooding at a regional scale, requiring coordination beyond a single town or community.
Tribal communities
Programs that dedicate resources or adjust cost share requirements specifically for tribal governments or organizations.