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Craven County closes multiple watershed and mitigation projects, approves demolition of dilapidated structure
Summary
The board approved closeout ordinances for a GoldenLeaf-funded Stream Debris Removal project, a USDA/NCDA Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) project, and an HMGP buyout/demolition project related to Hurricane Florence recovery; the board also approved $25,000 to remove a dilapidated structure in Carolina Pines after a court judgment.
Planning staff presented several project closeouts and one removal authorization that the Board approved on May 18.
Stream Debris Removal: Natural Resources Conservationist Brody Brown requested closeout of a GoldenLeaf Foundation-funded Stream Debris Removal Project (Fund 237) and a related project-closing ordinance removing $97,925 of unused funds. The board approved the closeout 7-0. Brown said the grant supported debris removal and beaver management on creeks including Swift Creek, Bachelor Creek, Core Creek and Little Swift Creek.
Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP): Brown requested closeout of EWP Project #20002 (Fund 245) tied to Hurricane Florence shoreline-erosion work along the Neuse River. Original scope covered 42 sites; staff completed 48 sites (46 shoreline, two inland) with NRCS sign-off. The closeout shows a net amount of ($120,692). The total EWP expenditures recorded in the ordinance were $4,610,344 with revenues from USDA, NCDA and transfers; the board approved the closeout 7-0.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) 4393-0008-R: Planning Director Chad Strawn requested closeout and ordinance for HMGP Project #20001 to buy out four homes damaged by Hurricane Florence (addresses listed in the ordinance). Total expenditures were $466,130 with FEMA and local transfers funding the project; the closeout amendment netted ($353,913). The board approved the closeout 7-0.
Dilapidated structure removal: Strawn also requested a $25,000 budget amendment to remove a derelict structure in Carolina Pines following a May 4, 2026 court judgment authorizing demolition on or after June 7. Commissioner Chadwick Howard said the property had been abandoned for more than 14 years; the board approved the amendment 7-0.
All project closeouts and the demolition funding were approved by roll-call votes and will be reflected in project accounting.
