Today, N.C. Senator Jim Perry and Kinston Mayor Don Hardy announce next steps in the effort to address Kinston’s flash flooding concerns. After flooding in August from an intense summer thunderstorm, Perry and Hardy worked to bring people together to discuss possible solutions. Senator Perry requested assistance from the Division of Mitigation Services and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), to discuss mitigation solutions for repeated flooding incidents in the area. As a result of these discussions, EDF, in support of the City of Kinston, is releasing a Request for Proposals to complete a flood mitigation study of the Adkin Branch Watershed. 

The key outcome of the flood mitigation study will be the development of detailed models of the watershed and estimates of the stormwater reductions required to address flooding at critical places in Kinston. This data will inform the evaluation of potential flood solutions and equip Senator Perry, and Mayor Hardy, with a roadmap for cutting edge flood reduction efforts.

“Mayor Hardy and I have secured funding to help with this important study.” said Sen. Jim Perry. “These flooding incidents are increasing in frequency and magnitude, and we need solutions. Mayor Hardy and I will continue to honor our shared commitment to advocate for our people.  This study should provide the data we need to make the case for funding to implement innovative, effective solutions for the flash flooding concerns here. We will continue to work with others to focus on helping our people and solving problems.”

“Senator Perry and I are good partners.  He is great at moving things around to find resources for us, and he always does what he says he will do.  The project will provide fantastic information for all of Eastern NC.  It is pretty exciting to learn about a new approach to help with flooding concerns.” said Mayor Don Hardy. “Partnering with the state and groups like EDF are important to helping us address this critical flash flooding issue and protecting our area’s promising momentum.”

“Environmental Defense Fund is excited to partner with local and state leaders, leveraging good science that drives innovative, community-supported flood solutions,” said Will McDow, Director, Resilient Landscapes, EDF. “This study will provide Kinston with a platform to engage community members in the process and explore options that can help residents across the entire city.”

For more information about the Request for Proposals or to receive a copy of the RFP, please contact Will McDow at wmcdow@edf.org. Deadline for submitting a proposal is November 13th, 2020.