N.C. maps areas

North Carolina has produced the first in what officials say will be a series of county maps to enable communities to reduce the risks of building homes and other structures in landslide-prone areas of the state’s mountains.

The Geological Survey section of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources developed the landslide hazard maps for Macon County and is planning on completing maps for five other mountain counties during the next two years.

“These maps will show which areas are prone to landslides and that will help developers, county officials and residents decide where to safely build homes, roads and other structures,” said Gov. Mike Easley. “The natural beauty of the western area of our state is attracting more people and businesses and we want to make sure that growth is compatible with the protection of our priceless natural heritage, the environment and public safety.”

The Macon County maps show where landslides have occurred, where they might start and where they might go once they start. Landslide hazard maps will be available for Buncombe and Watauga counties by next summer. Maps for Haywood, Henderson and Jackson counties are expected in 2008.

The three-year Landslide Hazard Mapping Program was funded with $1.3 million from the Hurricane Recovery Act of 2005, which provided disaster assistance to people, businesses and public agencies that suffered damage from the six hurricanes that struck North Carolina in 2004.

For additional information, visit www.geology.enr.state.nc.us

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