Raleigh, N.C. – State Senator Jim Perry was appointed recently as co-chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Storm Related River Debris and Damage for the 2021-22 legislative biennium.

Senate Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, announced the Committee formation on Thursday. Senator Perry was elected to Senate Leadership earlier this year, and serves as the Majority Whip. He represents Wayne and Lenoir Counties.

“I’m thankful that Sen. Berger and my colleagues appreciate the issues created by storm debris in Eastern North Carolina. Perry said in a statement. “Our first meeting will be in April, where we will have the latest information from the NC Policy Callaboratory, the Division of Mitigation Services, the Division of Soil and Water, and others.”

The committee’s purpose is to increase resiliency and mitigate damage from future flood and storm events. The committee also will work to remove debris from streams and rivers, direct state agencies to develop and execute mitigation plans. Additionally, they will evaluate developmental impacts to downstream communities and consider purchasing land in flood plains.

“Last week, I met with Kinston Mayor Don Hardy, Kinston City Manager Tony Sears, and Will McDow with Environmental Defense Fund to review possible mitigation options resulting from our recently completed study. It was good to make progress. We can’t stop flooding, but we should work to reduce its severity. This issue impacts our lives in Eastern NC. We need to convince more people to share our sense of urgency about making progress on this topic.”

Perry serves as co-Chairman of Healthcare, and Co-Chairman of Appropriations on Health and Human Services. He serves on the following committees: Appropriations - Base Budget, Finance, Rules and Operations of the Senate, Pensions, Redistricting and Elections.