1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

The ACRE Act (S.401) is a timely and necessary response to the climate pressures facing rural and underserved communities. As disaster events increase in both frequency and intensity, the gaps in our infrastructure and preparedness systems are becoming more dangerous—especially in areas already struggling with limited resources and aging facilities. Too often, these communities are left behind during disaster recovery efforts, receiving less federal support and facing slower, harder rebuilds. The ACRE Act would help correct that by identifying and designating “community disaster resilience zones” and ensuring that federal funding reaches areas most at risk and least equipped to recover quickly. This legislation prioritizes resilience where it’s most urgently needed, and that’s not just good policy—it’s essential for public safety, economic stability, and long-term sustainability. Strengthening these zones will reduce the cost and damage of future disasters, keep families and farmers in place, and support smarter local planning before crises hit. Supporting this bill is also a matter of equity. Rural communities, especially in our state, often lack the political and financial leverage to compete for funding against more urban or well-connected areas. The ACRE Act acknowledges those systemic imbalances and offers a practical, targeted solution. I urge you to support this legislation and advocate for its passage. Proactive investment in rural disaster resilience is not just about responding to past harm—it’s about preparing for what’s next, and doing so in a way that protects vulnerable communities before it’s too late.