The City of Kinston recognizes the danger of flooding and has taken many steps to protect our citizens and their property. Restoring North Carolina’s streams and wetlands is the best natural guard against flooding and one of many tools in the flood management toolbox. It has been shown to be an effective method to help contain and mitigate flood intensity for surrounding communities. These kinds of preventative measures are essential to the citizens of Kinston.
Mayor Dontario Hardy is currently the Mayor of the City of Kinston and has served since 2017. Mayor Hardy is a proud veteran of the United States Navy. Mayor Hardy is currently serving as a sworn law enforcement officer and has worked at the private, local, county and federal levels of law enforcement for over the past 16 years. Mayor Hardy is currently serving on the North Carolina Global Transpark Authority Board of Directors, North Carolina League of Municipalities Board of Directors, National League of Cities Board of Directors, Chairman of the Small Cities Council at the National League of Cities, Immediate Past Chairman of the NC Mayors Association, North Carolina Governors Crime Commission, Eastern North Carolina Disaster Recovery and Resiliency Alliance member, President of the Pitt-Greenville Lodge #69 Fraternal Order of Police, National Diversity Committee member at the National Fraternal Order of Police and a host of other boards and committees representing the City of Kinston along with cities, towns, villages and law enforcement officers across the state of North Carolina.
In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew caused over $1.5 billion in damage in eastern North Carolina and caused the worst flooding we have ever seen in the City of Kinston. The relatively flat terrain of eastern North Carolina slowed the fast-moving waters coming from higher elevations, causing a significant increase in both the depth and breadth of the Neuse River. Homes were destroyed, business was interrupted, many lives were upended, and almost 30 were lost. Although Hurricane Matthew’s impact on the City of Kinston was extreme, it is not unique. It was the third major flood in the past 21 years, and one of countless smaller flooding events. In April 2017, the City of Kinston experienced the fourth highest crest for the Neuse River after merely a couple of days of rainfall. In February 2021, floodwaters covered our city for days after a heavy rainfall. Flooding is affecting the Kinston community greatly and as Mayor, I look forward to continue taking all the necessary steps to protect the City of Kinston and its residents.
