The primary natural hazard is flooding, often resulting from hurricanes or tropical storms that drift inland 150 miles from the coast. Severe weather, high winds, tornadoes, drought, blizzards and ice storms can also disrupt life. Increasing runoff due to urbanization is a particular threat to water quality and increases downstream flooding. This hazard will be a major focus of this Project Impact community. With two Interstate highways and several railroads crossing the region, hazardous materials are a significant technological threat.
Terrorism is also a concern.
The State of North Carolina will work with the Research Triangle Region to better quantify the effects of natural and technological hazards on the economics of businesses and governments in the area. Business interruption, power outages, school closings, lost tax revenues, etc. With the RTP itself a product of regional cooperation, there is an established public-private partnership active in the Research Triangle Region. The Greater Triangle Regional Council joins corporate, local government, university, and civic leaders to set strategic directions for the Region, including, land use, development, traffic, stormwater runoff, etc. Bolstering this existing effort is a 1999 initiative of the State, the Smart Growth Commission, that promotes clean water, open space preservation, affordable housing, and sustainable community development to improve the quality of life throughout the State.