Disaster Response - Storm Debris Removal

The complex network of streams, canals and ditches that make up the draingage network in eastern North Carolina are critical to protect the people, property and economy of the region.  In many locations this drainage network has been significantly affected by vegetative storm debris resulting from Hurricane Irene in August 2011 and the many tornadoes that hit the region in April 2011.

Supported by a $600,000 Water Resources Development grant from the DENR Division of Water Resources, the division solicited applications from local sponsors for grants to address high priority stream debris removal needs.  Twenty-six applicants submitted applications for 37 debris removal projects affecting over 339 stream miles.  The applicants requested a total of nearly $3.4 million. 

The division elected to aggregate the requests from each applicant and to fund each applicant at 16.65% of their requested amount.  This approach allowed the local sponsors to set the priorities for how to best use the funds available

Stream debris removal work is now underway in the following locations:

The division and local sponsors continue to seek additional funding to address stream debris in these affected areas.