Project Impact, an initiative launched by FEMA last year, works with state and local governments to build more disaster resistant communities. The unique partnership will unite FEMA, the North Carolina Department of Emergency Management, the Boone local government, and the town's citizens and business leaders in a combined effort to envision and implement strategies designed to lessen future disaster loss. Flash flooding is a frequent occurrence in the hilly community. Several neighborhoods, a nursing home and Appalachian State have been flooded repeatedly in recent years.
Engineering studies indicate more severe flooding is likely.
Because of its repetitive flooding problems, Boone's local officials have been aggressive in their hazard mitigation efforts, pursuing a variety of avenues in an effort to diminish risks associated with floods. An active floodplain buyout program is currently in progress. FEMA provides technical, administrative and financial support.