Annual WATERS Summit searches for flooding solutions

GREENVILLE, N.C. — The fifth annual WATERS Summit returned to Greenville Wednesday, led by U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy and U.S. Rep. David Rouzer, to provide solutions for flooding damage across the state.

Bob Woodard, chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, presented to call attention to the flooding issues in his area, including recent damage to Highway 12.

“We’ve been asking the legislature to help us for way too long, and it’s time for them to step up to the plate and help us out,” Woodard said.

Attendees also heard from other affected areas and flooding experts to find solutions to persistent flooding problems.

Murphy said he started the annual summit with Rouzer after witnessing the harsh impact from intense storms.

“One thing I’ve recognized being a North Carolina resident for the last thirty years is when we have these terrible storms, the really calamitous flooding that occurs, it affects farms, businesses, healthcare,” Murphy said.

Tony McEwen, the Carolinas director for the American Flood Coalition, said flooding is a serious issue across the state and the annual summit is vital to keep working to solve the problem.

“Just having the folks that are advocates and interested and concerned about the issues, having a place to come together and work collaboratively every year is a very valuable opportunity,” McEwen said.

Murphy said he hopes to get his bill, the Preventing Environmental Hazards Act of 2025, passed soon, which would expand National Flood Insurance Program coverage to demolition of structures at risk of imminent collapse from flood damage.

“Today we’re really talking about the solutions,” Murphy said. “What has happened in the last six years. You know, I’m a surgeon by trade; I don’t sit by and watch things; I want us to do things. I want us to fix things and not just talk about them.”

According to Murphy’s office, attendance at the summit was record-breaking, with over 190 people present.

Murphy said the summit boils down to making sure eastern North Carolina homes and businesses are more resilient to harsh storms.