Commissioners vote to pursue FEMA funding and letter of support for Lake Glenwood dam repair

The Pitt County Board of Commissioners voted to pursue federal grant funding and directed the chair to sign a letter of support to pursue a FEMA mitigation/grant process for Lake Glenwood dam repair.

Lake Glenwood pond manager Jeff Bair told the board the lake now functions as part of the stormwater detention system following upstream development and recounted repeated overtopping and flooding during storms. "After hurricane Matthew in 2016 activated the emergency spillway and overtopped the dam, not breaching it," Bair said, arguing that removing the dam would expose downstream properties including Lake Glenwood Apartments and Willow Run subdivision to increased flood risk.

Staff presented a financial and due‑diligence update showing an estimated construction/engineering total around $2,771,000 and explaining how FEMA funds typically cover 75% of eligible costs. Michael Hardy described the breakdown presented to the board: the federal share of an estimated $2.9 million project could be about $2,217,000 with an estimated county/non‑federal share of roughly $692,000 and management costs capped at 5% (~$138,000). Ken Brand said decommissioning would require engineered plans and state permitting, and estimated the engineering and permitting work alone at about $95,000 before bids could establish final removal costs.

Commissioners debated alternatives: decommission the dam and restore stream channel, do the repair now using county funds, or delay to pursue FEMA/BRIC funding. Commissioner Manning argued against using county tax dollars for what he called a private problem and favored decommissioning. Commissioner Brown said the county already owns the asset and expressed concern for public safety if the county did not act. Several commissioners also noted the park and recreation trust fund award for an all‑abilities playground that must be used by October 2027 unless rescoping is approved.

The board approved alternative 2 — pursue the grant application route and have the chair sign a letter to support the application — and directed staff to continue interim mitigation (Foster Pond Management monitoring, Eastern Pines Fire Department coordination and emergency pumps) while seeking federal and legislative support. The board also noted a Trader Construction bid extension that is held until August 18.

The board’s action was procedural authorization to apply for and pursue grant funding; no contract award for repair or decommissioning was approved at the meeting.