The American Flood Coalition last week joined experts, agency officials, and local, state, and federal leaders in Greenville, North Carolina, for the third annual Water Adaptations to Ensure Regional Success (WATERS) Summit on flooding and sea level rise.
The bipartisan summit, hosted by Federal Champions Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC), highlighted the massive flooding challenges faced by North Carolina, the state’s strategy to tackle these challenges, and the significant work by local leaders to put federal funds toward flood-resilient infrastructure.
On the eve of the summit, AFC hosted a reception with 60 attendees from over 20 communities in North Carolina. Also attending was Federal Champion Rep. Don Davis (D-NC), as well as senior staff from the offices of Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) and Federal Champion Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC).
The summit and reception marked another step forward in collaboration between local, state, and federal officials on flooding. Specifically, local leaders discussed ways to advance state and federal investments in flood-resilient infrastructure and planning efforts.
“Communities across North Carolina are particularly vulnerable to flooding and sea level rise,” said AFC Carolinas Director Tony McEwen. “This summit is an opportunity for leaders from every level of government to come together to find effective, long-lasting solutions to these mounting challenges.”
As the only organization working on flooding across the local, state, and federal levels, AFC held its reception to connect dozens of local leaders with state and federal elected officials, elevating the concerns and solutions of local leaders on the front lines of flooding.
At the reception, attendees heard from AFC Chairman of the Board Jay Faison, as well as Representatives Greg Murphy, David Rouzer, and Don Davis. Speakers also included state and local leaders whose districts and communities face significant flooding challenges.
AFC member and State Rep. Mark Pless described how the mountainous terrain of Appalachia exacerbates flooding and can wash away entire towns. And on the other side of the state, State Rep. Timothy Reeder, representing the Pitt County legislative delegation, described the urgency felt on flooding in his region.
Chairman of the Robeson County Board of Commissioners John Cummings, who is also an AFC member, spoke about how flooding ignores municipal boundaries. And AFC member and Pender County Commissioner Jackie Newton spoke to the need for federal funds to alleviate flooding in her county.
From the western part of the state, AFC member and Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers spoke about the destruction of flooding felt firsthand: In 2021, Tropical Storm Fred swept through his small mountain town, wiping out nearly all its public infrastructure and killing six people.
“There are more Cantons than there are Charlottes, but we’re all affected by flooding the same,” said Smathers.
The reception and summit gave local, state, and federal leaders the opportunity to reflect on common challenges, and work together to find solutions to flooding and sea level rise. AFC was proud to convene so many decision makers on this crucial issue at its reception and looks forward to advancing flooding priorities across North Carolina in 2024 and beyond.
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More photos from the reception
