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Martin County approves $395,219 stream‑debris grant and awards Phase V contracts
Summary
The county approved a $395,219 NC Department of Agriculture grant for stream debris removal (Phase V) and awarded local contracts, including a $15,000 contract to Kenneth Allen; commissioners noted work is time‑sensitive because inland fishery rules bar work Feb. 15–June 30.
The Martin County Board of Commissioners voted Nov. 13 to accept a $395,219 grant from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture for Phase V stream debris removal and to approve related contracts to carry out the work.
Conservationist Lynn Whitehurst told the Board the Phase V work will target Conoho Creek (mouth near Williamston and a portion near Oak City), Smithwick Creek, Long Creek and three unnamed tributaries between Jamesville and Plymouth. Whitehurst said the Soil & Water Conservation District solicited bids for three contracts covering different locations and urged quick action because inland fishery regulations prohibit this type of work between Feb. 15 and June 30.
Commissioner Elmo “Butch” Lilley moved to approve the bids and award contracts as recommended by the Soil & Water Conservation Board; Vice Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr. seconded the motion, and the Board approved it unanimously (5-0). The record shows an award to Kenneth Allen for $15,000 among the contracts approved.
The grant is the latest allocation for the District; staff said the county previously received $554,176 across Phases I–IV, bringing the District’s total allocation to date to $949,395. Budget Amendment #8, approved the same night, added $395,219 in restricted intergovernmental revenue to the General Fund and appropriated the amount to Soil & Water expenditures for the project.
Whitehurst outlined the geographic scope of the work and said staff will prepare contract documents and monitor execution once contractors begin work. The Board approved the grant acceptance, contract awards and the associated budget amendment by unanimous vote.
The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 11, 2019.
