WHITEVILLE, NC — Columbus County officials will host a public meeting on August 4, 2026, inviting residents to help shape a comprehensive Watershed Drainage Management Plan aimed at reducing flooding, improving drainage, and long‑term resilience across the county.
The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at 127 W. Webster Street, 4th Floor, Whiteville, and is open to all residents, property owners, and business stakeholders.
County leaders say the new drainage plan will serve as a countywide blueprint for identifying flood‑prone areas, prioritizing infrastructure needs, and coordinating long‑term improvements. The effort is being supported by Moffatt & Nichol, an engineering firm specializing in coastal, environmental, and water‑resource projects.
Officials note that Columbus County’s mix of rural communities, low‑lying terrain, and aging drainage systems makes a unified watershed strategy essential for reducing repetitive flooding and improving water quality.
The August 4 session will include:
- Project overview – County staff and engineers will outline the goals, timeline, and scope of the drainage plan.
- Community input session – Attendees will be asked to identify problem areas, recurring flood zones, blocked ditches, and drainage concerns.
- Priority mapping – Residents can help pinpoint locations where improvements may be most urgently needed.
- Resilience planning – Engineers will discuss how the plan will guide future projects and funding decisions.
County officials emphasize that local knowledge, particularly from residents who routinely experience flooding is critical to building an accurate and effective plan.
Columbus County has faced repeated drainage challenges in recent years, including heavy‑rain flooding, slow runoff in agricultural areas, and aging culverts and ditches that no longer function as designed. A countywide watershed plan is expected to help: Reduce property damage, improve stormwater flow, strengthen infrastructure planning, support future grant applications and coordinate drainage work across municipalities and rural communities
The plan will also help the county prepare for increasingly frequent heavy‑rain events and changing watershed conditions.
Residents do not need to register in advance. County officials encourage anyone with drainage concerns, whether affecting homes, farmland, businesses, or roadways to attend and share firsthand experiences.
Those unable to attend will have additional opportunities to provide input as the planning process continues.
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