Craven County commissioners approved a contract award and a rollover budget amendment for the Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (STRAP) round 2 to remove vegetated debris from Erloh Drainage Canal and Half Moon Creek.

Brody Brown of the Soil and Water Department told the board that the original funding of $140,755 had been approved on Oct. 21, 2024, to remove vegetated debris. Staff published a request for proposals on May 30, 2025, and received two proposals by the June 23, 2025 deadline. After review, the department recommended awarding the STRAP round 2 contract to J and J Environmental LLC for a not-to-exceed amount of $119,641.75.

Brown said J and J's bid of $57,014.35 allows the county to move upstream and perform an additional $62,627.40 of work within the project's allocated construction budget of $119,641.75. STRAP round 2 funds will expire Dec. 31, 2026, Brown added. The board approved the budget rollover and contract award on roll-call votes with all commissioners present voting in favor.

The board directed staff to proceed with the contract award and noted the contract value, expiration of STRAP funds and the project's objective to remove vegetated debris to restore streamflow capacity. No dissent was recorded.