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Martin County asks Army Corps to limit prolonged 35,000 cfs releases from Kerr Dam after repeated flooding
Summary
The Board adopted a resolution urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to limit the duration of 35,000 cfs releases from John H. Kerr Dam and to promptly review its Water Supply Plan, citing recurring flooding and 'millions of dollars' in agricultural and property losses across several counties.
Martin County commissioners voted on March 13 to adopt a resolution urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to limit the duration of 35,000 cubic‑feet‑per‑second releases from the John H. Kerr Dam and to reexamine its Water Supply Plan, citing repeated flooding impacts across Washington, Martin, Bertie, Northampton and Halifax counties.
County Manager David Bone said the releases have flooded agricultural and timber fields, roads and homes and have in turn harmed tourism‑related businesses that rely on navigable conditions. The resolution notes that flooding frequency and severity increased after the Corps updated reservoir operations in 2016 and calls for the Corps to "immediately provide relief to the property owners" by limiting the duration of high releases and expediting a review of the Water Supply Plan.
Commissioner Elmo “Butch” Lilley and Soil & Water Chairman Ricky Cannon both described local impacts during the discussion and the Board approved the resolution unanimously. Cannon offered to have the Soil & Water board provide a letter of support if needed.
Why it matters: County officials say extended high releases from Kerr Dam are producing repeated downstream flooding that damages crops, timber, roads and private property and degrades recreational uses of the river; the resolution formalizes the county’s request for operational changes at the federal level.
What’s next: The board’s resolution supplements regional stakeholder meetings and conversations with congressional staff; county leaders expect follow‑up meetings and further appeals to the Corps and congressional offices.
