The North Carolina Emergency Management Disaster Relief and Mitigation fund has awarded the City of Kinston $3 million for the Adkin Branch Flood Mitigation Project.

The American Flood Coalition's efforts, which initially highlighted the funding available through North Carolina Emergency Management, were instrumental in helping secure the funds for the City.

According to Henry McLean, Assistant Director of Public Services, these funds will go toward the construction cost to bench the Adkin Branch near Bill Fay Park. This construction will significantly increase the water-holding capacity during storms, a crucial step in the flood mitigation efforts. The total cost of all Adkin Branch Flood Mitigation Project  improvements is estimated to be $16.6 million.

"I would like to thank Representative Chris Humphrey and Senator Jim Perry, who helped advocate for this funding," stated Mayor Don Hardy. "This benefits the City by putting a flood model in place to help reduce flooding throughout the City.

This project will mean so much to those who have lost homes and property during flash flooding due to storms."