Whiteville Floodprint May 2023

WHITEVILLE COMMUNITY FLOODPRINT: APRIL 2023
WHITEVILLE
COMMUNITY
FLOODPRINT
www.coastaldynamicsdesignlab.com MOLLIE’S BRANCH + DOWNTOWN CORE
01
CREDITS + THANKS
This report was completed by the NC State University Coastal Dynamics Design Lab (CDDL). Grant funding for this project
was generously provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block
Grant-Mitigation program, which is administered at the state-level by the North Carolina Office of Recovery & Resiliency
(NCORR). This document represents the first of five “Floodprint” reports to be completed as part of the grant agreement
with NCORR and HUD.
We would also like to thank our project partners, technical advisors, and participating community members who guided
the development and refinement of the information presented herein. You invited us into your community, donated
your time, and offered invaluable expertise that helped to make this project locally relevant and its processes broadly
transferable. This document would not have been possible without your support. Thank you.
NC State University College of Design Publication

© 2022 - 2023 All Rights Reserved
03
PROJECT TEAM
NC STATE UNIVERSITY COASTAL DYNAMICS DESIGN LAB (CDDL): PROJECT LEAD appointment, Barbara has conducted design, permitting, bidding and construction oversight for numerous restoration projects
The mission of the CDDL is to lead trans-disciplinary research and design teams that address critical ecological and community throughout North Carolina.
development challenges facing vulnerable coastal regions and shoreline communities. The CDDL is a team of architects,
landscape architects, and environmental planners who collaborate with communities that lack the local capacity and/or financial Jack Kurki-Fox, PhD, PE: Research Associate, Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering
resources to secure long-term design and planning services. Increasingly, the work of the CDDL has focused on providing Dr. Kukri-Fox is a licensed professional engineer who conducts monitoring, modeling and engineering analysis to support
technical assistance to North Carolina communities that are grappling with the impacts of severe flood events. research and extension efforts related to water quality, flooding and water management. He supports training programs for
professionals focused on stream morphology assessment, restoration and hydraulic modeling. He has conducted extensive
ANALYSIS, PLANNING, DESIGN & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT modeling and analyses to identify flood mitigation options for communities in eastern NC, evaluate infrastructure improvements
Andy Fox, PLA, FASLA: Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning + Director, Coastal to increase resiliency, and test the flood mitigation potential of natural infrastructure.
Dynamics Design Lab
As Director of the CDDL and a licensed landscape architect, Andy specializes in the development and management of high- COST ESTIMATING
performing public landscapes, with expertise in natural infrastructure, resiliency planning, community design, and land/water Gresham Smith
conservation assessment. A team of licensed landscape architects, civil engineers, and structural engineers from Gresham Smith provided planning
support services through the development of opinions of probable project cost, including: financial and feasibility
Travis Klondike, PLA, ASLA: Assistant Research Professor, Coastal Dynamics Design Lab + Department of Landscape evaluations, economic analysis of alternative solutions, and considerations of operations and maintenance costs.
Architecture and Environmental Planning
Travis is a licensed landscape architect and an Assistant Research Professor in the CDDL. His work blends hazard mitigation TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC)
assistance and resilience planning by leveraging contemporary methods of geospatial analysis, community engagement, visual Lastly, a group of local and state representatives provided feedback at various intervals as part of this study’s Technical
narration, and grant-writing as catalysts for public good. Advisory Committee (TAC). In addition to their TAC roles, Terry Mann (Mayor), Darren Currie (City Manager), and Hal Lowder
(Emergency Management Director) met on a monthly basis with the CDDL team and also played critical roles in assisting with
Madalyn Baldwin, ASLA: Assistant Research Professor, Coastal Dynamics Design Lab + Department of Landscape Architecture outreach efforts, site visits, and presentations in Whiteville.
and Environmental Planning
Madalyn specializes in the assessment of large-scale landscape systems, including geospatial analytics, planning for complex Darren Currie: Administration, City of Whiteville
environmental networks, and ecological integration of native and threatened plant communities. Her current research interests Robert Lewis: Planning & Inspections, City of Whiteville
include working lands, rural landscapes and economies, and high-performing landscapes. Hal Lowder: Emergency Services, City of Whiteville
Terry Mann: Administration, City of Whiteville
Marybeth Campeau: Graduate Student Research Assistant, Coastal Dynamics Design Lab Blake Spivey: Parks & Recreation, City of Whiteville
Evan Holliday: Graduate Student Research Assistant, Coastal Dynamics Design Lab Madison Ward: Downtown Main Street, City of Whiteville
Katarina King: Graduate Student Research Assistant, Coastal Dynamics Design Lab Maggie Battaglin: North Carolina Office of Recovery & Resiliency (NCORR)
PROJECT PARTNERS
In addition to CDDL staff, multiple project partners were specifically identified for their knowledge and expertise in topics
relevant to the Whiteville Community Floodprint and were intimately involved in advancing the project’s impact and applicability.
HYDRAULIC MODELING
Barbara Doll, PhD, PE: Extension Associate Professor, Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering + Extension
Specialist, NC Sea Grant
Dr. Doll is a licensed professional engineer with over 20 years of experience in ecological restoration. She teaches professional
development workshops and academic courses in fluvial geomorphology and ecological restoration. As part of her dual
05
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Purpose of the Project. The City of Whiteville is in the Mollie’s Branch: Stream Restoration & Infrastructure may be suitable for elevation as a mitigation strategy.
process of recovering and rebuilding from the devastating Improvements. The neighborhood surrounding the Mollie’s Because of the prevalence of slab-on-grade structures
floods that occurred as a result of Hurricane Matthew Branch stream corridor is a historically underserved throughout the CBD, an interior retrofit (“floating
(2016) and Hurricane Florence (2018), and increasingly, community of color that was, and continues to be, floor”) form of elevation was specifically analyzed on a
many neighborhoods are becoming more susceptible to disproportionately impacted by floodwaters. This focus building-by-building level of detail.
recurring flood damages from smaller and more frequent, area observes increased vulnerabilities due to: i) a high
unnamed storm events. concentration of buildings within the 100-year floodplain; ii) Of the 62 address points screened, ten (10) addresses (five
multiple roadways that regularly overtop with floodwaters unique structures) were determined to have the most
In recent years the city has taken numerous steps to due to low elevation and/or undersized culverts; and iii) suitable conditions for this specific form of elevation.
reduce the severity of future floods. Select properties socioeconomic factors that correlate with a historical lack Section and elevation drawings for each building are
have been acquired and demolished, a stormwater fee has of investment in resilience-building projects. provided in the report to illustrate how the proposed
been implemented, and various drainage improvement interventions can fit within the existing building shell of
projects are currently underway. As the community The proposed combination of “green” and “gray” each structure.
continues to adapt, the Whiteville Community Floodprint infrastructure enhancements includes 5,100 linear feet
aims to bolster these efforts through planning and design of stream restoration, four roadway modifications (e.g., In addition to the elevation assessment, a second measure
recommendations that reduce flood risk, improve public upgraded culverts) at locations where Mollie’s Branch is proposed for the Whiteville CBD: a “de-pave” program.
safety, and enhance long-term environmental function passes underneath existing roads, and an expanded area While not intended to significantly mitigate the damages
within historically flood-prone areas. of educational wetlands within the Central Middle School from severe flooding events (e.g., 500-year flood event),
recreational complex. the “de-pave” proposition is a more broadly applicable
This study used an environmental and community planning response to stakeholder concerns regarding the presence
approach referred to as “floodprinting,” which specifically Already, this project has: i) been awarded a grant from the of nuisance flooding along the roads and business fronts
highlights the use of place-based approaches as a Golden LEAF Foundation to assist with additional surveying, in the downtown area. By decreasing the total area of
response to natural hazards and climate change. As part design, and engineering costs; and ii) is currently under paved surfaces in downtown Whiteville through the
of the Whiteville Community Floodprint, discrete project review for the FY2023 FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure conversion of underutilized hardscape areas into various
phases and scope items included: inventory and analysis, and Communities (BRIC) grant program, where a state-level forms of green infrastructure, a network of small-scale
public outreach and engagement, hydraulic modeling, review board ranked and prioritized the project as #1 (out of interventions will be able to better absorb stormwater
schematic planning and design, three-dimensional 82 initial subapplications) in the State of North Carolina for while also beautifying the streetscape.
modeling, photorealistic rendering, benefit-cost analysis, FEMA to consider.
and grant-writing.
Downtown Core: Interior Retrofits / Elevations &
Created over a 16-month project period, the resulting “De-Pave” Program. Sixty-two (62) address points were A summary of the final report was presented to Whiteville’s
document is meant to both provide direction regarding assessed as being within Whiteville’s Central Business City Council on May 23, 2023. At the conclusion of the
feasible and sustainable practices within the identified District (CBD) and Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Each presentation, a vote for formal adoption of the Whiteville
focus areas, while also providing actionable collateral of these structures were screened through geospatial Community Floodprint received unanimous support from
that can be used to attract external resources towards criteria and field-collected data in order to determine City Council.
these projects. which buildings: i) are currently not in conformance
with the Columbus County Flood Damage Prevention The agenda packet provided to City Council, meeting
An abbreviated summary of the proposed projects Ordinance (Base Flood Elevation (BFE) of a 100-year flood minutes, and adopted report are all available for download
included in the Whiteville Community Floodprint include: event plus an additional two-feet of Freeboard); and ii) on the City of Whiteville website.
07
TABLE OF CONTENTS
01: BACKGROUND + APPROACH
+ PAGES: 08 - 19
02: INVENTORY + ANALYSIS

+ PAGES: 20 - 45
03: PROJECT PORTFOLIO + ALTERNATIVES ASSESSMENT

MOLLIE’S BRANCH: STREAM RESTORATION & INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
+ PAGES 46 - 75
DOWNTOWN CORE: ELEVATION ASSESSMENT & “DE-PAVE” PROGRAM

+ PAGES 76 - 91
04: PLANNING LINKAGES + CASE STUDIES

+ PAGES 92 - 101
05: APPENDICES + RESOURCES

+ PAGES 102 - 110
09
BACKGROUND
CHAPTER
01 + APPROACH
The City of Whiteville is in the process of recovering, responding, and currently underway. The Whiteville Floodprint aims to bolster these
rebuilding from the devastating floods that occurred in 2016 (Hurricane efforts through the creation of a framework plan that can integrate
Matthew) and 2018 (Hurricane Florence). In Whiteville, the impacts of existing initiatives within a new portfolio of flood mitigation projects
these storms, during Hurricane Florence in particular, far exceeded that are informed by community input, rigorous analyses, and best
the extent of the 500-year floodplain – causing widespread damage to practices in hazard mitigation. Ultimately, the material created herein
residences, businesses, and public infrastructure across the city. is meant to serve as collateral for local leadership to attract, attain,
and leverage investments focused on implementing the projects and
As a community and as a political unit, the city has taken numerous recommendations included in this report.
steps to reduce the severity of future floods in recent years. Select
properties have been acquired and demolished, a stormwater fee has
been implemented, and various drainage improvement projects are
11
HATCHED AREA
500-YEAR FLOODPLAIN
LOCAL IMPACTS OF FLOODING
Established in 1933, the City of Whiteville is located in
DUKE ENERGY SUBSTATION
Columbus County, North Carolina. With a population of
more than 5,000 residents and a total area of 5.4 square
SOULE’S
miles, it is the largest city in Columbus County and is SWAMP
the county seat. The City’s downtown is home to locally-
owned restaurants and shops, as well as residences. The + +
restored Vineland Station, originally a railroad depot,
serves as the City’s civic center. The State of North
Carolina has designated the City of Whiteville as a NC FORMER LEWIS SMITH CENTER
Main Street Community.
The City of Whiteville regularly experiences flooding from

routine storm events. More extensive flooding occurs in +
the wake of larger storms like Hurricane Joaquin in 2015
and Tropical Storm Hermie in 2016. Hurricanes Matthew
and Florence each caused historic levels of flooding
in low-lying areas located within and near downtown,
and in surrounding neighborhoods that border adjacent
swamps, wetlands, and tributaries. Whiteville is still in VINELAND
VINELANDSTATION
DEPOT
the process of recovering from the historic flood that
occurred as a result of Florence in 2018. For homes and
businesses built in the floodplain, flooding is an ongoing
and cyclical issue. Floodwaters in the floodplain reached
six to seven feet deep during both Hurricane Matthew
and Florence and resulted in repetitive losses.
+
More frequent and severe flooding is a result of both
climate change and regional commercial development,
among other factors. More locally, social and economic
challenges associated with recovery and preparing for
future flooding include the delicate balance of mitigating
the risk of repetitive flood damages through strategies CENTRAL ORANGE AREA
like elevations, acquisitions, and floodproofing, while
simultaneously improving the civic realm within
BUSINESS HURRICANE FLORENCE EXTENTS
Whiteville’s commercial corridor. However, infrastructure DISTRICT

projects providing these types of benefits are seldom
accessible to residents of Whiteville, and more generally
Columbus County, due to a combination of demographic
and environmental vulnerabilities.
+
13
CITY-LED INITIATIVES
Engaging With Flooding Issues. The City of Whiteville has City of Whiteville received a grant from the Golden LEAF Downtown Revitalization Efforts. Concurrent with the A New Framework for Downtown Whiteville. In 2021, the
been actively tackling these increased flooding issues. In Foundation to aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. stormwater efforts, the City has also turned its attention City completed a downtown streetscape master planning
2017, the city commissioned a stormwater study for the This resulted in the deployment of several strategies to to revitalization of the downtown area. In 2021, Whiteville process to create a vision for the streetscape and to guide
Downtown Municipal Service District (DMSD). This report address flooding issues, including laying new underground was designated as a Main Street Community, committing to future improvements. This plan -- covering the southern
identified seven improvement projects to address the strain pipes to facilitate better drainage in identified locations the nationally-recognized program focusing on economic portion of Madison St. between Lee St. and Webster
and overburdening of the city’s stormwater infrastructure, throughout the City. Through a separate grant completed development through historic preservation. As part of St.-- highlights the pedestrian experience through the
and the City continues to make progress on its project in 2019, the City commissioned an analysis of a potential this initiative, Whiteville has addressed its downtown introduction of green space, and several traffic calming
goals. The study provided additional policy and program stormwater utility fee and passed a stormwater ordinance development in a four-prong approach championed by the techniques. The plan also positions these improvements
recommendations, including the implementation of a that included provisions for stormwater permits and the Main Street Program: design, economic vitality, organization, to align with future stormwater improvement projects and
stormwater utility fee and related ordinances. In 2018, the aforementioned utility fee. and promotion. park space being proposed in similar areas.
15
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

+ DR-4285-NC: HURRICANE MATTHEW + DR-4364-NC: TORNADO & SEVERE STORMS + DR-4465-NC: HURRICANE DORIAN + DR-4543-NC: SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING + DR-4588-NC: TROPICAL STORM ETA
+ DR-4393-NC: HURRICANE FLORENCE + DR-4568-NC: HURRICANE ISAIAS + DR-4617-NC: TROPICAL STORM FRED
+ DR-4412-NC: TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL
MOST IMPACTED AND DISTRESSED (MID) CRITERIA

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUB-COUNTY AREAS TO QUALIFY FOR “MID” DESIGNATION
GREENSBORO
DEMONSTRATING DEMONSTRATING DURHAM
“MOST IMPACTED” “MOST DISTRESSED”
QUALIFYING UNDER QUALIFYING UNDER
AT LEAST ONE CATEGORY: AT LEAST ONE CATEGORY:
RALEIGH
ASHEVILLE
LOW- AND MODERATE

HOUSING INCOME HOUSEHOLDS
INFRASTRUCTURE LOSS OF AFFORDABLE
+ RENTAL HOUSING
ECONOMIC
REVITALIZATION FEDERAL TARGET AREA OR
ECONOMICALLY FRAGILE AREA CHARLOTTE
ENVIRONMENTAL
DEGRADATION PRIOR DOCUMENTATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL DISTRESS
OR
WHITEVILLE COUNTIES IDENTIFIED AS “MOST IMPACTED AND

A COUNTY that was previously determined by HUD to be most impacted DISTRESSED” BY HUD AND THE STATE (N.C.
CDBG-MIT ACTION PLAN, 2022)
CO
LU
MB
COUNTIES WITH ZIP CODES IDENTIFIED AS “MOST
US
WILMINGTON IMPACTED AND DISTRESSED” BY HUD AND THE
CO
STATE (N.C. CDBG-MIT ACTION PLAN, 2021)
UN
TY
FLOODPLAINS (FEMA, 2022)
NORTH CAROLINA BOUNDARY (NC ONEMAP, 2020)
“MOST IMPACTED AND DISTRESSED” COMMUNITIES

As part of the state-level response to Hurricanes Matthew full definition of “most impacted and distressed” as defined between NCORR and the NC State University Coastal + Interest/willingness to participate by community leadership;
and Florence, the North Carolina Office of Recovery and by HUD and NCORR). These services range in scope, but Dynamics Design Lab (CDDL) is allowing for the creation of + Population distribution, with priority given to communities
Resiliency (NCORR) has been consistently engaged with most pertinent to the Whiteville Floodprint effort are: five (5) new “Floodprint” reports, in five communities, over a fitting the FEMA definition of “economically disadvantaged
elected officials, residents, and stakeholders of Whiteville. three year time span as part of the planning and technical and rural” and/or “small and impoverished”;
Through allocations of funding provided by the U.S. + A Strategic Buyout Program; and assistance scope of work being administered by NCORR. + Quantity and spatial distribution (higher concentrations
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) + Planning and Technical Assistance Partner communities must satisfy certain criteria in order to preferable) of flood-vulnerable properties; and
Community Development Block Grant Mitigation program be eligible for this focused planning assistance, including: + Availability of existing HEC-RAS models and hydraulic data.
(CDBG-MIT), NCORR has been able to offer a variety of While monies allocated for buyouts have been primarily
services to counties designated as “most impacted and focused in the southwest portion of Whiteville -- to the + The community resides within a MID county, as identified
distressed” (MID) from the two storms (see ‘Appendix A’ for a north of Soule’s Swamp -- a newly established agreement by HUD (first priority), or by NCORR (second priority);
17
WHAT IS A “FLOODPRINT?”
A FRAMEWORK FOR BUILDING RURAL RESILIENCE
FOUR KEY STRATEGIES

“Floodprint” is a term coined by the NC State University Coastal COMMUNICATING
Dynamics Design Lab (CDDL) to describe a specific form of
Create Collateral. It is typically the responsibility of local
analysis and land planning that focuses on the recovery and
governments to assemble the required materials for grant
resilience-building needs of flood-prone communities. Based
applications. While larger municipalities are more likely
on a body of work initiated post-Hurricane Matthew in 2016,
to have either the internal personnel or available financial
Floodprint processes and resultant outcomes are strategically
resources to hire consultants for this purpose, smaller units
organized to bridge gaps and leverage opportunities related to
of governments are less likely to have access to these critical
project: scoping, scaling, communicating, and implementing
resources. In an effort to equalize the competitiveness of
that often pose significant challenges to communities
communities like Whiteville, the final documentation package
attempting to recover from or prepare for natural hazards.
of a Floodprint report is intentionally curated to serve as
collateral for local government staff to submit to specific
SCOPING grant programs.
Scope with the Scorecard. Many small, rural communities
face financial challenges that make the implementation IMPLEMENTING
of resilience-building projects cost prohibitive. In these
Close Capacity Gaps. If any combination of proposed
cases, externally funded grant programs offer a critical
Floodprint projects are to receive funding for implementation,
lifeline to support projects that may not otherwise receive
specific capacity limitations must be well understood in order
enough local funding. In recognizing this reliance on
to ensure projects are successfully constructed and sustained.
grants, a project team and associated scopes of work have
A local government’s ability to: manage and administer
been assembled to best align community needs with the
concurrent grant agreements, coordinate with technical
required deliverables and scoring metrics of relevant grant
expertise before and during construction, and to maintain new
programs. Overall, this strategy aims to help communities
infrastructure post-construction is highly variable community
better position themselves to secure grant funding for
to community. Acknowledging each community’s capacity
implementing projects of scale
ceilings during the creation of a Floodprint report allows
for the advanced planning of project types, scopes of work,
SCALING implementation teams, and maintenance plans that address
specific gaps in local capacity.
Nest Small Projects within Bigger Plans. Lengthy time
horizons associated with implementing projects are
commonplace in disaster recovery and/or preparedness
As part of the CDDL grant agreement with the North Carolina Office
situations. Therefore, it is critical to address both the timing
of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR), these strategies are being
of project phasing and the ways various physical scales of
assembled in a Floodprint report specific to Whiteville, at no direct
projects – small to large – are unified under a single vision,
cost to the City or its residents.
mission, and purpose. Nesting smaller projects within
broader plans offers opportunities for more financially
nimble, “shovel-ready” projects to quickly move forward while
projects requiring longer development, review, and award
timelines can simultaneously process in the background. Photo. Princeville (NC) workshop (CDDL, 2017).
19
DOOR, WINDOW + UTILITY

CULVERT PLACEMENT ON-GOING PER
POSTER SESSION: ROAD CROSSING
APRIL 2022 REMOVAL
CONDITIONS 3 PROJECT NEEDS IMPLEMENTATION
FLOOR-TO-CEILING ASSISTANCE
HYDRAULIC RATIO
INFRASTRUCTURE
MODELING CAPACITY
UPGRADES
SUPPORT
RESTORATION
VARIABLE LIMITS OF SIZING BUILDING
DISTURBANCE
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
PLANNING CONDITIONS COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
ALTERNATIVES ELEVATION FINANCIAL
RESOURCES
FEASIBILITY PERSONNEL
NEEDS
PROJECT BENEFIT-COST
1 GOALS
ACCESS LOCATION IN
EXISTING COMMUNITY PREFERENCES SFHA ANALYSIS (BCA)
INITIATIVES
ENGAGEMENT PROJECT PITCH
FOUNDATION 5
BACKGROUND TYPE
+ APPROACH
FLORENCE CONSULTATIONS:
IMPACTS AUGUST 2022 COMMUNITY GRANT
FLOOD ENGAGEMENT WRITING
BUYOUT EXTENTS UNDERSERVED
ZONE EMERGENCY COMMUNITIES POSTER SESSIONS:
ACCESS ‘HOT SPOT’ SEPTEMBER 2022 COST
AREAS ESTIMATING
STAKEHOLDER
DOWNTOWN
ENHANCEMENTS INVENTORY TESTIMONIALS
BUILDING + ANALYSIS PLAN PROJECT

PROPERTY REFINEMENT
DAMAGE CLUSTERS
PROGRAM
GAPS 4
PORTFOLIO PHASING
STRATEGIES
PUBLIC
INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGE
ASSESSMENT STREAM EXPANDED
RESTORATION BUYOUT ZONE
ROADWAYS + RAILROAD FLOOD 2 MONETARY
“DE-PAVE”
RIGHTS-OF-WAY DEPTH PROGRAM DOWNTOWN
LOSSES MOLLIE’S DISTRICT
BRANCH
BUILDING SEVERITY OF ELEVATE +
IMPACTS EXISTING PROPERTY
ELEVATIONS (FFE) CONDITIONS GREEN + GRAY FLOODPROOF STRUCTURE
MODELED DAMAGE CULVERT
ESTIMATES (SDE TRIAGE) UPGRADES INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT APPROACH
While the goals of a Floodprint study are uniquely defined photorealistic rendering; vi) benefit-cost analysis; and vii) aforementioned methodologies were used to develop the the aspiration of each Floodprint plan to serve as a guiding
by each community, the Floodprint process has important grant-writing. As in each precedent Floodprint report, the portfolio of projects and overall recommendations included framework for recovery and rebuilding across a range of
methodological consistencies across communities that Whiteville Floodprint process was guided by communicated in the Whiteville Floodprint. scales (e.g., county, city/town, neighborhood, individual), and
include: i) inventory and analysis; ii) community outreach project goals from local leadership and attention to timeframes (e.g., immediate versus long-term).
and engagement; iii) hydraulic modeling; iv) schematic focus areas that emerged during the early phases of due While deviations from the proposed Floodprint projects are
planning and design; v) three-dimensional modeling / diligence. Once these parameters were established, the expected to occur as local conditions and priorities shift, it is
21
INVENTORY
CHAPTER
02 ANALYSIS +
Various modes of data collection, analysis, and community established the basis for prioritizing neighborhoods in need of
engagement were all used throughout the Whiteville Floodprint additional planning recommendations and potential policy actions
project timeline in order to more holistically understand the that can adequately respond to the emergent community needs.
existing conditions, context, and characteristics of the city, its
people, and the environment. Items assessed include topics
such as: the flood vulnerability of buildings and infrastructure,
community demographics, and municipal capacity.
Findings from these initial assessments were confirmed and more

acutely framed after the first public engagement session with local
stakeholders. This feedback alongside subsequent follow-up actions
23
VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT: METHODS OVERVIEW

Flood Vulnerability: Columbus County. Flood prone STEP CREATE FLOOD DEPTH building points that intersect the elevation above the surrounding ground plane. Second, depth value established the vertical relationship between
ONE RASTERS FOR FLOOD EVENTS SFHA + eliminate $0 structures
buildings and parcels in Columbus County were identified using the flood depth raster image created as a result of FFE and the 500-year WSE. Structures with associated
using a series of spatial selections in ArcGiS Pro, illustrated the hydraulic analysis, the pixel with the highest Water 500-year WSE’s that were either: i) above the FFE; or ii)
and described below. STEP SUBTRACT WSE FROM DEM parcels with Step One buildings + Surface Elevation (WSE) of flood depth above the ground within 1.00-feet of the FFE and were noted as having a
TWO FOR EACH FLOOD EVENT eliminate parcels without structures
plane intersecting the perimeter of each building was crawl space foundation, were noted as being susceptible
STEP IDENTIFY HIGH-RISK building points that intersect the selected for a 500-year flood event. Third, subtracting the to damage during a 500-year flood event.
ONE BUILDINGS SFHA + eliminate $0 structures Using the Raster Calculator in ArcGIS Pro, a 5-meter FFE height above the LAG from the highest 500-year flood
digital elevation model (DEM) (NC Spatial Data Download),
STEP IDENTIFY HIGH-RISK parcels with Step One buildings + representing the ground surface elevation of the study area,
TWO PARCELS eliminate parcels without structures STEP IDENTIFY BUILDINGS IN STEP DETERMINE 500-YEAR STEP DETERMINE 500-YEAR WSE
was subtracted from the WSE and repeated for each of ONE 500-YEAR FLOODPLAIN TWO WSE FOR EACH BUILDING THREE RELATIVE TO BUILDING FFE
the five flood events. The resulting rasters delineated the group in clusters to establish highest Flood Depth raster pixel subtract Step Two WSE value
First, the “Select by Location” geoprocessing tool was used spatial extent as well as flood depth above ground level for focus areas value within Step One buildings from FFE of Step One buildings
to identify buildings (converted to points) in Columbus each event.
County that intersected with the Special Flood Hazard (a) IF GREATER THAN 0.00 IF BETWEEN 0.00 & -1.00 IF LESS THAN -1.00
Area (SFHA). The selection was refined by eliminating Flood Vulnerability: Flood Extents & Preliminary
WSE is above WSE is within one-foot WSE is greater than one-foot
any structures with a tax value of $0 and the remaining Estimate of Damages. While there are over two-hundred
building FFE of building FFE below building FFE
structures were exported as a new layer. structures in Whiteville that are located within the 500-year
DAMAGES FOR EACH BUILDING

floodplain, there are many additional factors that must be
CALCULATE ESTIMATED
USE SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE IF CRAWL SPACE IF SLAB-ON-GRADE
Second, high-risk parcels were identified using the “Select considered in order to determine the severity of flood risk (b)
ESTIMATOR (SDE) TOOL FOUNDATION FOUNDATION
by Location” geoprocessing tool to select all Columbus germane to each individual building. In order to determine STEP
FOUR data: building area, stories, use Substantial Damage assume no expected
County parcels containing flood prone buildings identified this risk on a structure-by-structure basis, this study foundation type, Step Three values Estimator (SDE) Tool damages to building
in Step One. Similar to Step One, this selection was further performed the following analysis:
refined by eliminating parcels not containing any structures
(according to Columbus County tax records) and the AGGREGATE ESTIMATED NO EXPECTED
(c)
remaining parcels were exported as a new layer. Results HEATED DAMAGES FOR FOCUS AREAS DAMAGES
LIVING AREA
of this analysis indicated a total of 775 parcels containing FIRST FLOOR using building clusters no additional
ELEVATION (FFE)
flood-prone buildings. FLOOR identified in Step One analysis required
JOISTS MINIMUM OF 1’-0”
BELOW FFE
Flood Vulnerability: Flood Depth. To better understand HVAC
AIR DUCTS STRUCTURAL +
depth and extent of flooding impacts from various storm UTILITY EXTENTS
CRAWL
intensities, flood depth rasters were created for the 10-, SPACE
25-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year flood events in Whiteville and
the surrounding areas. Water surface elevation (WSE)
rasters for each of the flood events, downloaded from North
Carolina’s Flood Risk Information System (FRIS), were the Figure. Typical house crawl space with flood damage considerations noted.
primary data source for this analysis. In this dataset, WSE
values are presented as elevation above sea level and were First, using GIS data, the value for each building’s First Floor
translated to flood depth above ground level through the Elevation (FFE) was subtracted from its Lowest Adjacent
following process: Grade (LAG) in order to determine the first floor’s highest
25
CITY + TOWN BOUNDARIES (NCDOT, 2022)
COLUMBUS COUNTY BOUNDARY (NCDOT, 2022)
COLUMBUS COUNTY PARCELS WITH A VALUED STRUCTURE
INTERSECTING 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN (CDDL, 2022)
LUMBERTON, NC
POP. 20,928
PARCELS WITH VALUED STRUCTURES
IN THE 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN (SFHA)

133 PARCELS
IN THE 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN (SFHA) WHITEVILLE: POP. 5,386
78 PARCELS IN THE 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN (SFHA)
FAIR BLUFF: POP. 545 475 PARCELS
COLUMBUS COUNTY
NO
RT
+
HC
SO
UT
AR
HC
OL
IN
AR
A
OL
+
IN
A
+
WILMINGTON, NC
POP. 120,194
TABOR CITY: POP. 4,061 775 PARCELS $

78.7M 56% INSURED
PARCELS IN COLUMBUS COUNTY WITH TAX VALUE OF APPROX % OF PARCELS
PARCELS WITH VALUED STRUCTURES VALUED STRUCTURES IN THE SFHA STRUCTURES HOLDING FLOOD INSURANCE
IN THE 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN (SFHA)
CONWAY, SC
32 PARCELS CITIES + TOWNS (39%) COUNTY (61%)
POP. 23,838
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
WHITEVILLE (17%)
NORTH 0 mi 5 mi 10 mi 20 mi
COLUMBUS COUNTY: AT-RISK STRUCTURES

This assessment identified parcels with tax-valued structures associated tributaries of the Lumber and Waccamaw Rivers. of these properties (n = 436) are currently covered by active programs (e.g., “Hazard Mitigation Grant Program,” or “HMGP”)
intersecting the FEMA 100-year floodplain (also known as The 966 buildings (775 parcels) in Columbus County fitting this flood insurance policies (Regional HMP, 2020). This condition in order to mitigate property losses. These trends are most
“Special Flood Hazard Area,” or “SFHA”). Findings illustrate criteria represent an improved tax value of over $78.7M that leaves many residents of Columbus County susceptible to acutely observed in Whiteville, where there are only 76 active
a geographic correlation between flood vulnerability and are most vulnerable to flood damage during a 100-year flood extreme financial hardship when major flooding occurs, and NFIP policies (Regional HMP, 2020) despite having the largest
riverine adjacency across the region, where many of the event. However, the 2020 update to the Bladen, Columbus, establishes a heavy reliance on state and local officials to concentration of flood-prone structures in Columbus County
most at-risk parcels are either along the main stems or Robeson Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan indicates only 56% successfully administer challenging, and often slow, public (173 parcels; 17% of the total).
27
FLOOD DEPTH: 500-YEAR EVENT (CDDL, 2022)
BUILDING FOOTPRINTS (NCEM, 2021)
CITY BOUNDARY (NC ONE MAP, 2022)
8.2 FT WATER DEPTH: HIGH

3.4 FT WATER DEPTH: LOW
FLOOD DEPTH: TRANSPORTATION VULNERABILITIES US 74-BUSINESS AT
Most notable from a city-scale analysis of flood depth is US-74 Business at Pine Log Branch; US-74 Business along PINE LOG BRANCH
the prevalence of roadways and railroad rights-of-way White Marsh; the Railroad along White Marsh; and at US-701 74
effectively acting as levees during severe flood events (e.g., and Madison Street along Soule’s Swamp. The differences
500-year flood; shown in the provided map). As illustrated in floodwater depth from the high-side to the low-side of 7.7 FT WATER DEPTH: HIGH
below, this is typically due to at least one of two conditions these rights-of-way range from 1.5-feet to 4.8-feet across
US 74-BUSINESS AT
WHITE MARSH +
Earthen embankments and undersized culvert conditions has
established a pattern of transportation corridors acting as levees
+
during severe flood events. While this is most notable in discrete
locations at the city-scale of study, it serves as an indicator to also
ITS
CITY LIM
analyze these conditions in smaller, more localized contexts.
that are present within these transportation corridors: i) these locations, where under natural conditions, the RR
+
+
added fill material and/or modified earthen embankments difference in water depth would be nearly indistinguishable
used to elevate roadways above baseline flood elevations (close to zero) across these distances.
that do not allow for the passage of floodwater across wide
swathes of floodplain lands; and ii) inadequate quantities These conditions can be problematic during times of RAILROAD AT
WHITE MARSH
and/or sizes of pipes and culverts that do not allow for severe flooding because it causes water to back up on
enough volume of water to pass through designed openings the headwater/high-side of the embankments which can 4.0 FT WATER DEPTH: LOW
push water out into areas that would not otherwise flood,
and if in the event that the rights-of-way are overtopped
by floodwaters, a greater volume of floodwater would be
traveling downstream at higher velocities than what would US 701 & MADISON AT
SOULE’S SWAMP
otherwise naturally occur.
While this pattern is observed most notably in discrete
locations at this scale of analysis, it serves as an indicator
that these conditions may also exist at more localized
scales where similar conditions (e.g., undersized culverts
Figure. Typical profile of roadway with embankment and undersized culvert. at intersections of roads and stream channels) may be
impeding the flow of water, particularly during severe
within these earthen embankments. Four locations around flood events.
the periphery of Whiteville most substantially illustrate
these conditions at the city-scale lens: NORTH 1/2 mi
29
BUILDINGS INTERSECTING FLOODPLAINS (CDDL, 2022)
BUILDING FOOTPRINTS (NCEM, 2021)
FLOODPLAINS: FLOODWAY + 100-YEAR + 500-YEAR (FEMA, 2021)
CITY BOUNDARY (NC ONE MAP, 2022)
FLOOD EXTENTS: INTERSECTING BUILDING CLUSTERS

While the extents of Hurricane Florence reached far beyond homes are also within this study area, though these were not
the boundaries of FEMA-designated floodplains in Whiteville, the dominant structure condition observed. 74
an assessment of locations where there are groupings of
buildings, structures, and properties that intersect the 500- Enlargement ‘C’: Downtown + Soule’s Swamp. Existing
year floodplain was used to establish preliminary areas within building conditions in the Downtown + Soule’s Swamp study
Locations with concentrated groupings of buildings intersecting the + ASSESSED STRUCTURES: 27

+ MODELED DAMAGES: $48,103
500-year floodplain served as preliminary focus areas requiring more + GRIFFITH’S BRANCH:
FLOOD CLUSTER ‘B’
in-depth analysis of expected flood damages.

Whiteville’s city limits that may constitute deeper levels of area were the most variable of the three enlargement zones
ITS
+
CITY LIM
analysis as a dedicated “focus area.” Three building clusters analyzed. Many of the commercial buildings nearest the
have been initially identified, with brief descriptions of each Central Business District (CBD) were constructed between
surrounding neighborhood provided below: the 1940s and 1950s, however, many of the outlier structures
that appear to be largely industrial-use were built more RR
Enlargement ‘A’: Mollie’s Branch. Most of the residential recently. Of the buildings assessed, many of them consist of
+
buildings within the Mollie’s Branch study area consist slab-on-grade foundations, meaning that floodwaters would
MOLLIE’S BRANCH:
of single-family, single-story homes built in the 1970s. need to breach the first floor elevation (FFE) in order to cause FLOOD CLUSTER ‘A’
Generally, most of these homes are 1-2 feet above grade damages to the structure. + ASSESSED STRUCTURES: 62
with crawl spaces, and sit on relatively flat lots. There + MODELED DAMAGES: $1,113,352
are additional residential units in this study area that are While not included in the flood-risk assessment, there are
multi-family and owned by the Whiteville Housing Authority, several blocks of buildings in between JK Powell Boulevard
and there is a cluster of commercial / industrial-use and Mollie’s Branch that are within a designated ‘buyout zone’ DOWNTOWN AREA:
FLOOD CLUSTER ‘C’
buildings toward the northern extents of the study area. The – currently being administered by the North Carolina Office
commercial / industrial buildings primarily consist of slab- of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR). Eligible property owners + ASSESSED STRUCTURES: 111
+ MODELED DAMAGES: $1,644,777
on-grade foundations. within this buyout zone are currently being given the option
to sell their property and relocate to safer land. Purchased
Enlargement ‘B’: Griffith’s Branch. The vast majority of properties within the buyout zone will subsequently be
buildings in the Griffith’s Branch study area are single-family, demolished, cleared, and must be permanently maintained
residential-use that were built between the 1970s and 1990s. as open green space by the local government. Because of
Compared to residential structures in Mollie’s Branch, the first the large number of vacated and expected-to-be demolished
floor elevation (FFE) height above the adjacent grade was structures within this buyout zone, these structures were not
more variable, with most of these homes being between 2-5 included as part of this analysis.
feet above grade (with a crawl space), on relatively flat lots.
Additionally auxiliary structures immediately to the south of
the Columbus Regional Hospital, and several manufactured NORTH 1/2 mi
31
WHITEVILLE
+
PRIMARY SCHOOL NORTH 500 ft
ET
GT O N ST R E
WASHIN
MOLLIE’S BRANCH: ENLARGEMENT AREA ‘A’

Sixty-two (62) structures were assessed as intersecting the repairs to items such as insulation, HVAC air ducts, floor
500-year floodplain of Mollie’s Branch along the stretch of joists, electrical wiring, etc.), the cost of materials and
JK POWELL BOULEVARD
WHITEVILLE stream spanning from Whiteville Primary School (north) to services may be prohibitive to homeowners without active
+
HIGH SCHOOL
Central Middle School (south). Of these 62 structures, twenty- flood insurance policies.
+
four (24) were identified as likely to be damaged during a 500-
MOLLIE’S BRANCH year flood event with associated damages projected to be These flood risks are paired with a demographic profile
near $1,113,352 across the 24 structures. The distribution and for the U.S. Census Bureau Block Groups intersecting
severity of these damages were shown to be in two distinct the Mollie’s Branch Enlargement Area that present the
categories, however: commercial/industrial and residential. following environmental justice concerns:
The highest projected dollar-amount of damages are A racial makeup that includes more People of Color (49%)
IN FLOODPLAIN + DAMAGES
+ +
associated with the cluster of commercial and industrial than the Columbus County average (37%); a Per Capita
WILLIAMSON STREET
IN FLOODPLAIN + NO DAMAGES 37% 49%

+ +
BLOCK GROUPS
PEOPLE -50% +50%
+
OF COLOR
DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
INTERSECTING BLOCK GROUPS
WEST BURKHEAD STREET COUNTY AVG BLOCK GROUP AVG
CITY $
16K $
22K
PER CAPITA
INCOME
-50%
+
BLOCK GROUP AVG
+
COUNTY AVG
+50%
$
88K $
115K
WEST LEWIS STREET
MEDIAN
HOME VALUE
-50%
+
COUNTY AVG
+
BLOCK GROUP AVG
+50%
buildings just to the north of Washington Street (US- Income (approx. $16,000) that is below the Columbus County
CENTRAL MIDDLE
74 Business) along Mollie’s Branch, where 500-year average ($22,000); and a Median Home Value ($115,000)
+
BUILDINGS WITH NO MODELED DAMAGES (CDDL, 2022) SCHOOL
BUILDINGS WITH MODELED DAMAGES (CDDL, 2022) floodwaters are modeled to be higher than the FFE of that while above the Columbus County average ($88,000),
+ POINTS OF INTEREST (CDDL, 2022) many of these building, and due to the large heated is nearly half of the Median Home Value for more affluent
square footage areas of these buildings, the SDE Triage areas in Whiteville.
tool used for equating flood depth to dollar estimates in
damages, calculated high figures for expected damages.
ESTIMATED DAMAGES
MODELED 500-YEAR FLOOD EVENT
For the residential buildings assessed, largely
concentrated between Williamson Street and West Lewis
62 24 38% $1,113,352
Street, modeling shows that many of the structures are
likely to receive floodwaters that enter the crawl space
and get near, but would not overtop, the FFE during a
(#) STRUCTURES (#) STRUCTURES (%) STRUCTURES ($) PROJECTED DAMAGES TO STRUCTURES
ASSESSED WITH DAMAGES WITH DAMAGES DURING A MODELED 500-YEAR FLOOD EVENT 500-year flood event. While these damages are typically
lower in overall dollar amount to repair (typically requiring
33
NORTH 500 ft
IN FLOODPLAIN + NO DAMAGES
+
AD
RO
LD
D FIE
W OO
EAST OLIVER STREET
GRIFFITH’S BRANCH: ENLARGEMENT AREA ‘B’

Twenty-seven (27) structures were assessed as These minimal flood risks are also paired with a
intersecting the 500-year floodplain of Griffith’s Branch demographic profile for the U.S. Census Bureau Block
along the stretch of stream spanning from Woodfield Groups intersecting the Griffith’s Branch Enlargement Area:
Road (north) to City of Whiteville Recreation Center off
JEFFER S
O N ST R E E
T Nolan Avenue (south). Of these 27 structures, only two (2) A racial makeup that includes fewer People of Color (28%)
were identified as likely to be damaged during a 500-year than the Columbus County average (37%); a Per Capita
flood event with associated damages projected to be near Income (approx. $31,000) that is above the Columbus County
TRAM ROAD
$48,103 across the 2 structures. average ($22,000); and a Median Home Value ($219,000) that
+
COLUMBUS REGIONAL
HOSPITAL
There were not any spatial clusters or land use types that
is above the Columbus County average ($88,000).
correlated with any larger patterns of flood risks within The only demographic characteristic assessed in this
BLU
this Enlargement Area. Compared to the Mollie’s Branch Enlargement Area that presents potentially more
28% 37%
+ +
EJ
E AN
PEOPLE
R OA
-50% +50%
OF COLOR
DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
D

+
BLOCK GROUP AVG COUNTY AVG
+
CITY $
22K $
31K
GRIFFITH’S BRANCH + PER CAPITA
INCOME
-50%
+
COUNTY AVG
+
BLOCK GROUP AVG
+50%
BLOCK GROUPS $
88K $
219K
MEDIAN
HOME VALUE
-50%
+
COUNTY AVG
+
BLOCK GROUP AVG
+300%
Enlargement Area, many of the structures along Griffith’s vulnerable conditions during flood event is the percent of
BUILDINGS WITH NO MODELED DAMAGES (CDDL, 2022)
Branch were observed as having FFE’s that were higher the population with an average age over 65 (25%), which
BUILDINGS WITH MODELED DAMAGES (CDDL, 2022) above their associated LAG’s. This foundation condition, is more than the Columbus County average (19%).
+ POINTS OF INTEREST (CDDL, 2022) along with lower relative 500-year WSE along Griffith’s
Branch, creates a condition where many properties in this
Enlargement Area may observe floodwaters within open
areas of land, but damages affecting the structural and/or
ESTIMATED DAMAGES
MODELED 500-YEAR FLOOD EVENT utility components of buildings would likely be minimal.
In addition to the low quantity (7%) of buildings projected
27 2 7% $
48,103
to receive damages during a 500-year event, the 2
buildings were damages are projected are both “crawl-
space only” flood conditions, where the WSE of a 500-year
(#) STRUCTURES (#) STRUCTURES (%) STRUCTURES ($) PROJECTED DAMAGES TO STRUCTURES
ASSESSED WITH DAMAGES WITH DAMAGES DURING A MODELED 500-YEAR FLOOD EVENT flood are not expected to breach the FFE of either of the
two buildings.
35
CENTRAL MIDDLE
+
SCHOOL
WEST COLUMBUS STREET

+
WHITEVILLE
CITY HALL
SOUTH FRANKLIN STREET

WEST VIRGIL STREET
EXISTING BUYOUT ZONE

ADMINISTERED BY NCORR
+ WEST WALTER STREET
MOLLIE’S BRANCH
+ IN FLOODPLAIN + NO DAMAGES
MAIN STREET
+
+
VINELAND
STATION
+
COMMERCE STREET
PEC
AN
ST R
EET
+
FRA FORMER LEWIS
ZIE SMITH CENTER
RS
TRE
ET
ARD
LEV
BOU
ELL
P OW
JK
FAMILY
+
DOLLAR
DOWNTOWN + SOULE’S SWAMP:
+ SOULE’S SWAMP
ENLARGEMENT AREA ‘C’
EET
ST R
Whiteville’s downtown area hosts a wide array of locally-

ON
DIS
owned restaurants and shops, as well as residences. The

MA
restored Vineland Station, originally a railroad depot,

serves as the City’s civic center, and the State of North
Carolina has designated the City of Whiteville as a NC Main
Street Community.
BUILDINGS WITH NO MODELED DAMAGES (CDDL, 2022)
BUILDINGS WITH MODELED DAMAGES (CDDL, 2022)
However, elevated flood stages from Soule’s Swamp
+ POINTS OF INTEREST (CDDL, 2022) NORTH 500 ft
frequently threaten properties, business operations, and

vehicular / pedestrian traffic in the area.
37
DOWNTOWN + SOULE’S SWAMP: ENLARGEMENT AREA ‘C’ (CONT’D)

One-hundred eleven (111) structures were assessed as extreme weather events, and also are more likely to County average ($22,000); and a Median Home Value ($88,000), is nearly half of the Median Home Value for more
intersecting the 500-year floodplain with the Downtown equate to elevated costs of repairs to damages to be ($111,000) that while above the Columbus County average affluent areas in Whiteville.
+ Soule’s Swamp study area, which spans from Central incurred by the private landowners.
Middle School (north) to Talbot Street (south). Of these 111
37% 50%
structures, twenty-five (25) were identified as likely to be Since many of the buildings within this study area are PEOPLE
OF COLOR
-50%
+ + +50%
DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
COUNTY AVG BLOCK GROUP AVG
“Over two-dozen buildings in the downtown area of Whiteville are CITY $

18K $
22K
projected to sustain damages during a modeled 500-year flood event,

PER CAPITA
INCOME
-50%
+ +
BLOCK GROUP AVG COUNTY AVG
+50%
which is less severe than Hurricane Florence.” + $

88K $
111K
BLOCK GROUPS
MEDIAN
HOME VALUE
-50%
+
COUNTY AVG
+
BLOCK GROUP AVG
+50%
damaged during a 500-year flood event with associated slab-on-grade foundation types, most of the calculated
damages projected to be near $1,644,777 across the damages would result from floodwaters breaching the
25 structures. The highest projected dollar-amount of first floor elevation (FFE) – causing damages to the
damages are associated with several of the industrial- interior, heated living space of the buildings. Only two
use complexes near the intersection of JK Powell (2) of the 25 structures that were modeled to receive
Boulevard and Main Street, and near the western extent damages were shown to have damages explicitly within
of the study area off of Virgil Street. the crawl space / utility zone (within one foot of the FFE).
While there are other commercial- and residential-use These flood risks are paired with a demographic profile
buildings within the Enlargement Area that are also for the U.S. Census Bureau Block Groups intersecting
expected to receive damages from a 500-year event the Downtown + Soule’s Swamp Enlargement Area that
based on this study’s hydraulic modeling, the industrial present the following environmental justice concerns: A
complexes – due to their size, land use, and location racial makeup that includes more People of Color (50%)
within the floodplain, present the potential for hazardous than the Columbus County average (37%); a Per Capita
materials and contaminants to enter the floodway during Income (approx. $18,000) that is below the Columbus
ESTIMATED DAMAGES
MODELED 500-YEAR FLOOD EVENT
111
(#) STRUCTURES
ASSESSED
25
(#) STRUCTURES
WITH DAMAGES
22% $1,644,777
(%) STRUCTURES
WITH DAMAGES
($) PROJECTED DAMAGES TO STRUCTURES
DURING A MODELED 500-YEAR FLOOD EVENT
39
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT #1
APRIL 2022
CITY-SCALE LISTENING SESSION

+ Format, Setup, and Goals: During these initial listening opportunities related to current recovery and acquisition
sessions with residents, area stakeholders, agency partners, processes, as well as creation and care of future green
representatives from the CDDL and project partners from spaces. Most specifically, the project team led interactive
the CIty presented findings from initial analyses and asked activities to gather feedback on: i) community needs and
respondents to interact with posters and personnel through opportunities most important for flood recovery and
“Engagement activities focused on listening to stakeholder needs,

wants, issues, and opportunities relating to flood recovery, and sharing
mitigation options that may be available to them.”
voting mechanisms and series of open-ended questions. rebuilding purposes, ii) areas in Whiteville where chronic
Activities focused on listening to resident needs, wants, flooding along roadways is problematic, iii) residential
issues, and opportunities relating to flood recovery, and areas in Whiteville where chronic flooding is prevalent,
iv) preferences for allowable land uses implemented
within the properties that participate in a buyout program
administered by NCORR, and v) on-going projects and
WARD’S initiatives within the most flood-prone areas of downtown.
+
GRILL WALTER ST
VINELAND DEPOT This meeting was structured to facilitate conversations

MADISON ST
between neighborhood residents, area stakeholders, and
+
the project team. Workshop materials focused on the
CAPE FEAR VALLEY
PRIMARY CARE MAIN ST
+ topics of community life, existing challenges, and future
desires. The project team guided and documented these
conversations through an interactive poster display that
FRANKLIN ST
guided feedback. By the end of the workshop, all community

+ ANTHONY’S
ITALIAN participants had the opportunity to voice their opinions
on the aforementioned topics as they relate to the City’s
COM
MER
CE S
T changing landscape.
Key Map. Public Engagement Location: Columbus County DREAM Center.
sharing mitigation options that may be available to them.

The activities conducted in the first community meeting
focused on listening to residents. The objective was to gain
an understanding of neighborhood needs, wants, issues, and Photo. Whiteville Floodprint public engagement event (CDDL, 2022).
41
NEEDS CHRONIC FLOODING: ROADS ALLOWABLE LAND USE PREFERENCES
“Ensure that residents of the impact- “Downtown near Chef & Frog, Ward’s Grill, etc.”...“300 Block
ed areas are heard.”... “Increased open of E. Oliver St.”...“200 Block of E. College St.”...”300 Block
space where existing development is of E. Main St.”... ”701 Bypass at bridge”...”600 Block of W. MANAGED
WETLANDS
NATURE
RESERVE CULTIVATION
BUFFER
ZONE
OUTDOOR
RECREATION CAMPGROUND
UNPAVED
PARKING GRAZING
located.”... “Increased retention areas.” Franklin St.”... 17 VOTES 17 VOTES 10 VOTES 8 VOTES 8 VOTES 1 VOTES 1 VOTES 0 VOTES
+
+
+ + +
+
+ +
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ROADWAY FLOODING MOLLIE’S BRANCH GRIFFITH’S BRANCH VOLUNTARY BUYOUT ZONE DOWNTOWN AREA
“Ecotourism in affected “Our home experiences extreme flooding, 18-20” of rain during down “Increased construction and new roads have “There will be an
“Action!”
areas near downtown.” pours. We would like to be considered for a buyout or extreme restoration.” increased flooding concerns.” actual plan.”
OPPORTUNITIES CHRONIC FLOODING: HOMES CHRONIC FLOODING: HOMES WHAT’S EXCITING WHAT’S MISSING
WHAT WE HEARD
+ Overall Findings and Feedback: The community shared for safe, open space. Suggestions were shared on how to Participants expressed excitement about the analysis
that the modeled scenarios matched the lived experience of enhance the stormwater drainage, including increasing and planning efforts that will result in the creation and
flooding in Whiteville. They identified the need to include all retention areas and paying special attention to drainage implementation of a forward-looking comprehensive
City residents with communication and education efforts, and outlets. Residents saw opportunities in employing a framework for the City of Whiteville.
with a special emphasis on working directly with residents regionally connected design approach that leveraged newly
in the impacted areas. The community expressed a need created open space for potential ecotourism opportunities.
43
FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Initial analyses and stakeholder feedback during the first damage match with the aforementioned soil condition In response, the project team began assessing various expanded ‘buyout zone’. The twenty-five (25) parcels indicated
public engagement event confirmed Mollie’s Branch and the (green) more so than the demarcated floodplain boundary combinations of stream restoration techniques, infrastructure on the key map generally meet the following criteria:
downtown Central Business District as the top two priority (gray). In total, there was now a body of evidence established improvements, and public programs in effort to reduce future
areas for further analysis, planning, and future project that illustrates elevated levels of flood vulnerability for flood losses in this area. While initial analysis conducted via + the greatest risk of receiving property damage (due to
recommendations as part of the Whiteville Floodprint. specific areas around Mollie’s Branch. hydraulic modeling revealed that significant flood reduction expected flood depths relative to first floor elevations)
Mollie’s Branch: Stream Restoration + Expanded Buyout

Zone Program. The need for expanded flood mitigation
SOILS: HIGH WATER TABLE
100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN
Initial analyses and stakeholder feedback during the first public
ELIGIBLE BUYOUT PARCELS
offerings in the neighborhood surrounding Mollie’s Branch
was expressed by multiple stakeholders who participated in engagement event confirmed Mollie’s Branch and the downtown
the first public engagement event (April 2022). Specifically,
testimonies (including photo and video evidence) of flooding Central Business District as the top two priority areas for further
on properties, in roadways, and around the foundations
of homes was stated to happen during even more analysis, planning, and future project recommendations as part of
commonplace, unnamed storm events -- both within and
outside of the floodplain.
+ SOILS: HIGH WATER TABLE
the Whiteville Floodprint.
+ EXPANDED BUYOUT ZONE
This feedback prompted additional analysis, as it was benefits could be realized by utilizing nature-based and culvert- + are within the 100-year floodplain
clear that flooding issues are being compounded by HATCHED PARCELS focused upgrades, the threat of floodwaters – particularly + are most likely to have high water tables in the soil profile
factors other than the stream channel over-topping during larger storm events (e.g., 500-year) – was still present + are contiguously connected along the stream channel
it’s banks. This follow-up analysis revealed that for many homeowners. As such, the CDDL, City, and NCORR
many residents around Mollie’s Branch own property used the aforementioned vulnerability data and findings to: i) Downtown: Elevation Assessment + “De-Pave” Program.
characterized as “not suitable for dwellings” (USDA, 2022) + determine additional clusters of properties most vulnerable to It was also evident during the April 2022 engagement event
due to high water tables in the soil profile -- expected to 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN flood damages; and ii) identify properties to include within an that more precise, building-by-building recommendations
be between 0-12 inches beneath the ground surface. The for potential interior retrofits / elevations and floodproofing
dominant soil type in the area fitting this description is were needed in order for property owners to better
listed as: Meggett Fine Sandy Loam (‘Me’). understand available mitigation options. As such, team
members from the CDDL and staff from the City conducted
Structures placed in soils with elevated water tables can field measurements for buildings that are in both the Central
lead to unstable foundation conditions around the base Business District (CBD) and Special Flood Hazard Area
of homes. More specifically, during times when the water (SFHA; 100-year floodplain) in May 2022 so that more precise
table may already be elevated (saturated), this can cause recommendations for each address could be determined.
severe ponding -- observed significantly above the ground
surface -- during subsequent rainfall events. Impassable + Additionally, April 2022 stakeholder testimonial of “nuisance
and dangerous road conditions, and damage to crawl MOLLIE’S BRANCH flooding” in the roadways and outside businesses --
spaces (including home foundations, flooring / floor joists, believed to be, in part, due to large swathes of impervious
HVAC systems, surrounding landscape, etc.) on a frequent surface, also prompted the exploration of programs and/or
basis was noted by stakeholders during the first public constructed interventions that may be able to combat more
engagement. Geographically, these descriptions of property Key Map. Soils with a Water Table 0-12 inches Beneath the Surface (USDA, 2022). Photo. Field measurements as part of the elevation assessment (CDDL, 2022). everyday flooding and ponding in the downtown area.
45
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT #2
AUGUST 2022
MOLLIE’S BRANCH: VOLUNTARY BUYOUT ZONE EXPANSION

Residents within the expanded buyout zone were provided an + Format, Setup, and Goals: Prior to hosting the
opportunity to meet with team members in August 2022 to consultation-focused event, door-hangers were printed and
introduce NCORR’s Strategic Buyout Program via one-on-one placed on the front doors of each of the twenty-five (25)
consultations. In addition to informing residents of the new homes being included in the expanded buyout zone. The
mitigation offering that would become available to them, door-hangers included: a brief explanation of the buyout
These one-on-one consultations offered residents within an expanded

buyout zone the opportunity to learn more about program prior to a
more public-facing event in September 2022, where the boundaries of
the expanded buyout area would be visually represented.
these meetings provided an opportunity for homeowners to program, and the date, time, as well as the location of the
consider their personal positions toward a buyout prior to consultation event at the Dream Center.
an upcoming public engagement event (September 2022)
Advertised as a “drop-in” style event, residents were
able to come to the Dream Center during a range of
CENTRAL MIDDLE ROSEM
ARY ST
available evening hours, where staff from the City and
+
SCHOOL
CDDL met with attendees. Stakeholders that attended
were presented with: i) the data, analysis, and first-hand
DREAM CENTER testimonials of property damages that ultimately led to
the expansion of buyouts being offered to include the area
COLUMBUS ST
around Mollie’s Branch; and ii) specific details, provided
+ by NCORR (as the program administrator), regarding: fair

market value, timeline expectations, and supplemental
JK POWELL BLVD
WARD ST
benefits of the buyout program.
MLK AVE
The goals of this event were met, as the majority of

VIRGIL ST
+
HAPPY MART
GAS STATION
properties within the expanded buyout zone were
represented during the event, and homeowners were able
to ask specific questions about the program prior to the
information being displayed more publicly.
where the expanded buyout zone would be discussed in a

more public format and setting. Photo. Whiteville Floodprint public engagement event (CDDL, 2022).
47
PROJECT
CHAPTER
PORTFOLIO +
03 ALTERNATIVES ASSESSMENT
Multiple planning alternatives within each of this study’s primary recommendations can be blended with a broader “de-pave”
focus areas are included in this section of the report. The Mollie’s program throughout the Central Business District.
Branch focus area includes two different stream restoration
and infrastructure conditions (‘Scenarios A + B’) that served as Collectively, these scenarios and alternatives presented for
the basis for: i) public feedback; ii) hydraulic modeling; and iii) Mollie’s Branch and the Downtown Core study areas were used
plan refinement exercises that ultimately yielded a third design as part of multiple neighborhood-scale public engagements in
condition (‘Scenario C’). Scenario C was further assessed via Whiteville, where feedback from stakeholders was considered
hydraulic modeling and benefit-cost analysis. The second focus as part of an iterative revision process to create final
area includes findings from the elevation and floodproofing recommendations for each location.
feasibility assessment, and also presents how these mitigation
49
STREAM RESTORATION + INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
MOLLIE’S BRANCH
51
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT #3 (A)

SEPTEMBER 2022
MOLLIE’S BRANCH: HYDRAULIC MODELING + PLAN ALTERNATIVES

Also hosted at the DREAM Center (in the same neighborhood iii) provided details as to the hydraulic performance and
as the Mollie’s Branch project area), this engagement event efficacy of the various restoration width (60-foot versus
focused on getting feedback from first-hand stakeholders 100-foot) and infrastructure changes (e.g., road crossing
regarding their preferences for various stream restoration removal versus culvert upgrade) alternatives that were
This event ask first-hand stakeholders around Mollie’s Branch to

vote on their preferences for various stream restoration alternatives
(60-foot versus 100-foot width) and infrastructure conditions (e.g.,
road crossing removal versus upgraded culvert) modeled to improve
flooding severity in the neighborhood.
and infrastructure improvement scenarios being presented displayed across various plan-view scenarios (“Existing
to them. Conditions,” “Scenario A,” and “Scenario B”).
Posters that were on display presented: i) previously Representatives from the City, CDDL, NC State University
completed analysis; ii) outlined how feedback during this Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
event would be used in plan refinement processes; and (responsible for the hydraulic modeling scope of the project)
and NCORR were all present to engage with stakeholders
ARY ST
during the event.
ROSEM
CENTRAL MIDDLE
+
SCHOOL
During the engagement session, attendees were asked to

place push-pins (as a voting mechanism) on the various
DREAM CENTER
stream restoration and infrastructure improvement
conditions that they preferred. The results from these
COLUMBUS ST
voting exercises were then used by the project team as

+ part of an iterative process to ultimately arrive at a single,
JK POWELL BLVD
WARD ST
preferred alternative for Mollie’s Branch: ‘Scenario C.’
MLK AVE
VIRGIL ST
+
HAPPY MART
GAS STATION
Photo. Whiteville Floodprint public engagement event (CDDL, 2022).

53
Map. Existing Conditions Map (Aerial Imagery: NC CGIA, 2023).
+ POINTS OF INTEREST (CDDL, 2022)
+ WASHIN
GTON
1 WHITEVILLE PRIMARY
SCHOOL
Washington Street:
Existing Culvert Condition
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Mollie’s Branch is a stream located within the Lumber the DWR supplemental classification as “swamp waters,”
River Basin (HUC-4), Waccamaw Subbasin (HUC-8), White which recognizes its natural characteristics of low velocity,
Marsh Watershed (HUC-10), and Lower Soule’s Swamp dissolved oxygen, or pH. In its current state, Mollie’s Branch
Subwatershed (HUC-12). presents a heavily modified stream channel that has been
“Mollie’s Branch is a heavily modified stream channel that 2
Williamson Street:
has been straightened and entrenched, enabling surrounding IMMEDIATE PROJECT AREA Existing Culvert Condition
development to take place (e.g., housing and roadways). Water

+ BENEFITING POPULATION
2 WILLIAMSON
flows are now constricted to narrow ditches, and much of the

supporting infrastructure are outdated and undersized.” + WHITEVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY
PINEWOOD
(48) MULTI-FAMILY UNITS
3 BURKHEAD
MAXWELL
Mollie’s Branch is classified by the NC Division of Water straightened and entrenched – enabling surrounding
Resources (DWR) as Class C, which means that it supports development to take place (e.g., housing and roadways). Burkhead Street:
aquatic life, secondary contact recreation, and freshwater. Water flows are now constricted to narrow ditches, and
T.W. APOSTOLIC CHURCH
This classification indicates that the stream is protected much of the supporting infrastructure (i.e., pipes and
MAULTSBY
STANLEY
for uses such as aquatic life propagation, survival and culverts) are outdated and undersized.
maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, agriculture, and
4
+
LEWIS
+
recreation activities not involving (or infrequently involving) Overall, this is a significant divergence from the more
CITY PUMP STATION NORTH WHITEVILLE ACADEMY
human body contact with water. Mollie’s Branch also carries naturalized “swamp waters” condition that would otherwise 5
exist, and has resulted in the loss of floodplain capacity

within and around the stream. As heavy rainfall events + 4
become more frequent, many of the properties and public
infrastructure adjacent to Mollie’s Branch are becoming Lewis Street:
increasingly susceptible to recurring flood damage –
commonly manifested by roads that overtop and lower
+
SOUTH MLK
portions of buildings being damaged.
+
6
The potential for expanded flood mitigation alternatives WEST WHITEVILLE

PARK
IN
for approximately 5,100 linear feet of Mollie’s Branch from
BALDW
Washington Street (north) to Virgil Street (south) was assessed CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
through geospatial analysis and hydraulic modeling, and
was vetted by resident stakeholders and local leadership in VIRGIL 6
5 attempt to determine a cost-effective solution for reducing

NORTH 200 ft West Whiteville Park:
water surface elevations (WSE) during heavy rainfall events. Existing Pedestrian Bridge
Mollie’s Branch: Existing Stream Condition.
55
Map. Project Benefiting Area (on top of Floodplain Areas, FEMA 2022).
+
BUILDINGS (NCEM, 2022)
+ POINTS OF INTEREST (CDDL, 2022)
B
B GTON
B B WASHIN
B
B
B
B
WHITEVILLE PRIMARY
B SCHOOL
POTENTIAL IMPACT + BENEFITING AREA

Populations expected to benefit from this project are four (4) public / private entities (Central Middle School,
those that would be directly impacted by: i) reductions in North Whiteville Academy, T.W. Apostolic Church, and a
the severity of future flood events on their property; ii) City of Whiteville Pump Station).
reductions in the frequency of roadways being overtopped
by floodwaters; and iii) the social and ecological benefits The Project Impact Area constitutes three geographic
provided by the nature-based improvements. areas defined by environmental and social characteristics
of the project that overlap and extend beyond the Project
Populations expected to see these direct day-to-day Benefiting Area. Collectively, these areas encompass the
IMMEDIATE PROJECT AREA
benefits are spatially representative of parcels that either
intersect the anticipated limits-of-work boundary, or
entire municipal boundary of the City of Whiteville, meaning
the project is expected to yield city-wide benefits. These + BENEFITING POPULATION
are shown to have reductions in water surface elevation areas include: WILLIAMSON
during flooding events (based on the results of hydraulic

modeling analyses that have been completed). The Project + Lower Soule’s Swamp Subwatershed Area. This data layer
Benefiting Area encompasses an approximately 15.07 acre is representative of the 12-Digit HUC Subwatershed (North + WHITEVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY
PINEWOOD
area, and includes forty-one (41) single-family residential Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, 2022) that BURKHEAD
(48) MULTI-FAMILY UNITS
units, forty-eight (48) multi-family residential units includes Mollie’s Branch, and includes both upstream
MAXWELL
(Whiteville Housing Authority), nine (9) businesses, and and downstream portions of the subwatershed from the
proposed limits of work.
T.W. APOSTOLIC CHURCH
+ Traffic Impact Area. This data layer illustrates a
MAULTSBY
STANLEY
buffer area around segments of roadway (North Carolina
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AREA Department of Transportation, 2022) that are anticipated
+
LEWIS
+
to be either: i) temporarily impacted during construction
CITY PUMP STATION NORTH WHITEVILLE ACADEMY
of the project (e.g., temporary re-routing of traffic); or
+
Quantity totals of households, public
ii) permanently impacted post-construction through / private entities, and businesses
TRAFFIC IMPACT AREA
increased safety and accessibility during flood events + that are anticipated to receive direct
benefits from this project include:
(North Carolina State University, 2022).
CITY
+ Central Middle School Attendance Area. This data HOUSEHOLDS: 89
74 + + layer represents the Unified School District area for
+ (41) Single-Family Units
+ +
SOUTH MLK
+ (48) Multi-Family Units
+ Central Middle School (Columbus County, 2022). This area - Whiteville Housing Authority
+
CHADBOURN
HALLSBORO
is included in the Project Impact Area because of the
PROJECT 34.331296 significant scope of work proposed on the Central Middle WEST WHITEVILLE PUBLIC/PRIVATE ENTITIES: 4
SITE -78.713908 PARK
+ Central Middle School
+ School property, and the anticipated ancillary benefits
IN
BALDW
+ North Whiteville Academy
that nature-based solutions will have on the quality CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL + T.W. Apostolic Church of Christ
SUBWATERSHED AREA of recreational and educational amenities afforded to + City of Whiteville Pump Station
students during the projected useful life of the project VIRGIL
(30 years, minimum). Central Middle School enrolls BUSINESSES: 9

701 NORTH 200 ft
B = Businesses
NORTH
approximately 500 students per year, on average.
Map. Project Impact Area (Vehicular + Watershed + School District).
57
Map. Flooding Frequency Map.
+
GTON
WASHIN
1 WHITEVILLE PRIMARY
SCHOOL
FLOODING FREQUENCY
The proposed location of this project has been specifically public engagement events as part of the Whiteville
identified because it correlates with areas in Whiteville Floodprint effort. This neighborhood has suffered multiple
modeled to receive damaging floodwaters on a frequent, catastrophic flood events in recent years (e.g., Hurricane
recurring basis. Specifically, hydraulic analysis conducted Florence (2018) and Tropical Storm Hermine in 2022)), as
for Mollie’s Branch indicates that the even the extent of a well as numerous heavy rainfall events not affiliated with
“Hydraulic analysis indicates that the extent of a 25-year flood

event intersects with thirty (30) buildings, and the expected flood
height would overtop three (3) of the four (4) roadway crossings in WILLIAMSON
the study area (Williamson, Burkhead, and Lewis streets).”
PINEWOOD
BURKHE
AD
EXISTING CONDITION
2 + HYDRAULIC MODEL (NCSU)
25-year flood event intersects at least thirty (30) buildings, tropical systems (e.g., June 2020) that have caused 25-YEAR FLOOD EVENT
and the expected flood height would overtop three (3) of substantial flooding.
the four roadway crossings in the study area (Williamson, 100-YEAR FLOOD EVENT
Burkhead, and Lewis streets). Preliminary benefit-cost analyses that evaluated the SPECIAL FLOOD
HAZARD AREA (FEMA)
anticipated cost of damages for each building calculated
MAXWELL
MAULTSBY
The concentration of homes within the modeled flood that a single, major storm event would likely result in an
+
extents of these smaller, more frequent storm events excess of $1.4M in property damages (buildings only). These
+
LEWIS
+
triggers elevated flood risks because most of the homes figures do not include the additional monetary impacts and
in this area have either slab-on-grade foundations, or threats to public safety from roadways overtopping with WHITEVILLE HOUSING
AUTHORITY
the first floors are only 2-3 steps above the surrounding floodwaters (accountable for approximately 8,000 daily CITY OF WHITEVILLE NORTH WHITEVILLE
PUMP STATION
grade. These conditions lead to substantial property vehicular trips, NCDOT, 2019), or the increased operating ACADEMY
+
damages during commonplace storm events, and has been costs on governmental services to conduct water rescues in
validated by stakeholder testimonials during multiple the area during major storm events.
SOUTH MLK
SEPTEMBER 2018: Washington Street JUNE 2020: Burkhead Street SEPTEMBER 2022: Virgil Street LOW ELEVATION STRUCTURES
+
WEST WHITEVILLE
PARK
CENTRAL MIDDLE
SCHOOL
FLOOD HEIGHT
HOME
STREAM CHANNEL
1 2 3
3 VIRGIL
Diagram: Typical flood height relative

Photo: Flooding along U.S. 74 / Washington St. during Photo: Flooding near Burkhead St. during an unnamed Photo: Flooding along Virgil St. during Tropical Storm NORTH 200 ft to building first floor elevations for
Hurricane Florence (image credit: Duke Energy). storm event (image credit: The News Reporter). Hermine (image credit: The News Reporter). structures along Mollie’s Branch.
59
SCENARIO A SCENARIO B
60-FOOT RESTORATION WIDTH + MODIFY ROAD CROSSINGS 100-FOOT RESTORATION WIDTH + MODIFY ROAD CROSSINGS + BUYOUT ZONE
+
WHITEVILLE
PRIMARY SCHOOL
+
WHITEVILLE
PRIMARY SCHOOL
WASHINGTON ST: CULVERT WASHINGTON ST: CULVERT

+ UPGRADE CULVERT CONDITION + UPGRADE CULVERT CONDITION
PLAN ALTERNATIVES + PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PROCESS

Recommendations included in the final concept design Williamson and Lewis Streets, and an upgraded bridge + VOLUNTARY PROGRAM (25 PARCELS)
EXPANDED BUYOUT ZONE
for Mollie’s Branch considered: i) the causes of flooding condition at Burkhead Street).
within and around the project area; ii) the impacts of
flooding in high-risk areas surrounding the stream; and
iii) stakeholder preferences for various flood mitigation
Hydraulic modeling for Scenarios A and B both showed
substantial reductions in Water Surface Elevation (WSE) + UPGRADE CULVERT CONDITION
+ + REMOVE 280 LINEAR FEET
alternatives presented. during smaller storm events (e.g., 10- and 25-year floods) WILLIAMSON ST: CULVERT WILLIAMSON ST: DEMOLITION
Multiple flood mitigation alternatives were presented to community

+ UPGRADE CULVERT CONDITION + CONVERT 210 LINEAR FEET TO BRIDGE
stakeholders (“Existing Condition,” “Scenario A,” and Scenario BURKHEAD ST: CULVERT BURKHEAD ST: BRIDGE
B”). Elements from each alternative that received the most votes + WITHIN EXISTING EASEMENT
RESTORATION: 60’ WIDTH
+ REQUIRES EASEMENTS OR BUYOUTS
from stakeholders were combined with public comments to

inform a single, revised schematic plan (“Scenario C”). CENTRAL MIDDLE CENTRAL MIDDLE
+ +
LEWIS ST: CULVERT SCHOOL LEWIS ST: DEMOLITION SCHOOL
+ UPGRADE CULVERT CONDITION + REMOVE 350 LINEAR FEET
As part of the public engagement process for the compared to the Existing Condition, however, Scenario B
refinement of Mollie’s Branch recommendations, multiple
flood mitigation alternatives were presented to community
offered greater flood protection during larger storm events
(e.g., 50- and 100-year floods). Of the 46 votes recorded for
+
WEST WHITEVILLE
+
WEST WHITEVILLE
PARK PARK
stakeholders for review, comment, and push-pin voting the various elements in these scenarios during a September
(“Existing Condition,” “Scenario A,” and “Scenario B”). Primary 2022 public engagement session, 67.3% (31 votes) were in
features of each plan include: support of the features presented in Scenario B.
+ “Existing Condition” Alternative: No Change to the Feedback received from stakeholders that preferred
present conditions. elements other than what was included in Scenario B 15 VOTES (32.7%) 31 VOTES (67.3%)
primarily concerned the specific routing and width of the (#) VOTES RECEIVED: (#) VOTES RECEIVED:
+ “Scenario A” Alternative: Two-Stage Ditch (at a stream restoration component of the project at specific SCENARIO ‘A’ DESIGN COMPONENTS SCENARIO ‘B’ DESIGN COMPONENTS
consistent 60-foot width; equal to the size of the existing locations. Revisions to the alignment of the stream that
stream width and City-maintained access easement) and directly address this feedback include: i) creating more
Larger Culverts (at Washington, Williamson, Burkhead, and buffer area between private properties and the proposed
Lewis Streets; all road crossings remain). scope of work; and ii) removing any and all overlaps
between the restoration scope of work and the Expanded and limits-of-work boundary that reflect preferences floodplain area within the Central Middle School
+ “Scenario B” Alternative: Stream and Floodplain Buyout Zone. expressed during public engagement activities). recreational complex. The Scenario C plan was then
Restoration (variable width, typically between 60 and 100 subsequently vetted for effectiveness via hydraulic
feet, inclusive of properties within the Expanded Buyout + “Scenario C” Alternative: Stream and Floodplain In total, Scenario C features approximately 5,100 modeling, benefit-cost analysis, and through additional
Zone) + Road Crossing Modifications (upgraded culvert Restoration + Road Crossing Modifications (same as linear feet of floodplain restoration, four (4) roadway opportunities for public feedback prior to the finalization
at Washington Street, removal of the road crossings at Scenario B but with alterations to the stream alignment modifications, and an expanded area of restored of recommendations.
61
SCENARIO C
100-FOOT RESTORATION WIDTH + MODIFY ROAD CROSSINGS + BUYOUT ZONE (NON-CONTINGENT)
GTON
WASHIN
WASHINGTON ST: CULVERT

+ UPGRADE CULVERT CONDITION
FINAL SCHEMATIC PLAN: SCENARIO ‘C’

The specific combination of nature-based solutions and available habitat for wildlife, and addressing existing
infrastructure improvements included in the Scenario C inequities in access to recreational amenities. + VOLUNTARY PROGRAM (25 PARCELS)
plan offers the greatest combination of modeled flood risk Furthermore, by upgrading roadway infrastructure and EXPANDED BUYOUT ZONE
reduction and stakeholder support. As such, this proposal restoring a critical stretch of floodplain area to a more
draws upon FEMA guidance (2021) for implementing several natural state, the proposed project offers a series of
“The cumulative benefits of these practices are primarily intended +

to better control and manage floodwaters, but will also offer a wide NEW CUL-DE-SAC + REMOVE 280 LINEAR FEET
breadth of ancillary benefits, such as: improving water quality,

WILLIAMSON ST: DEMOLITION
WILLIAMSON
increase available habitat, and addressing existing inequities in NEW ‘T-CONNECTION’
access to recreational amenities.””
PINEWOOD
BURKHE
AD
+ CONVERT 140 LINEAR FEET TO BRIDGE

“watershed scale” practices (e.g., “floodplain restoration” environmental and social benefits that stretch far beyond BURKHEAD ST: BRIDGE Photo (#2): September 2022 Public
Engagement Event
and “stormwater park”) as part of an interconnected suite the immediate project area.
of nature-based solutions. The cumulative benefits of
these practices are primarily intended to better control Environmental Benefits. By improving stream sinuosity
MAXWELL
MAULTSBY
and manage floodwaters throughout the project area, but and increasing the total area of vegetated floodplain, this NEW ‘T-CONNECTION’
will also offer a wide breadth of ancillary benefits, such project will be able to: i) better capture and treat surrounding LEWIS
NEW CUL-DE-SAC
as: improving water quality, increasing the amount of stormwater runoff; and ii) reduce excessive sediment and
pollutant loads that exit Mollie’s Branch. Together, these
project outcomes will help support a wide range of flora and
NORTH WHITEVILLE
fauna populations whose survival relies on the long-term LEWIS ST: DEMOLITION ACADEMY
+
protection of habitat in the Lumber River Basin. + REMOVE 350 LINEAR FEET Photo (#3): September 2022 Public
Engagement Event
Social Benefits. The project’s location also offers

opportunities for recreational and educational
+
SOUTH MLK
enhancements that will benefit visitors of West Whiteville
+
PROFILE (PROPOSED)
TYPICAL STREAM
Park and the 500+ students and teachers who attend CENTRAL MIDDLE
SCHOOL
Central Middle School and North Whiteville Academy. WEST WHITEVILLE
PARK
PROPOSED
The proposed schematic plan for Mollie’s Branch embeds EXISTING
various design elements, such as outdoor classrooms and

trail networks, that will enrich existing amenities at the
park while also expanding curricular offerings for current VIRGIL
NORTH 200 ft Photo (#4): September 2022 Public
and future generations of students at the two schools. Engagement Event
Photo (#1): September 2022 Public Engagement Event
63
Map. Enlargement Area: Central Middle School Recreational Complex.
RF-2
+HP (61)
F-3
63
62
61
SD-4
HA-1 F-1
60
EX. BASEBALL
59
58
57
W-8
56
FIELD #3
60 +LP (59) EX. BASEBALL

FIELD #1
EX. BATTING
SD-1 CAGES W-7
BW-1 W-5 PH-3

59
W-1
+LP (59)
HA-1
+LP (59)
SD-3
COST ESTIMATE SUMMARY
W-6 PH-5
PH-4
A concept-level opinion of probable cost was generated for
W-11
W-4
the Mollie’s Branch project that reflects the scope of work
SD-2
EX. BASEBALL
FIELD #2
illustrated in the Scenario C plan. The data used to prepare
RR-1 +LP (58)
HA-2 W-10 the projected cost of construction included, but was not
ST-1
W-2 W-9 limited to: RS Means Wilmington 2022 (Q3), NCDOT Bids,
W-3
PH-2
+ HA-5 and recently completed construction projects with similar
LIMITS OF DISTURBANCE components. Consultation with a team of licensed landscape
architects, civil engineers, and structural engineers regarding
56
57
58
59
EX. BUILDING
RF-1 (CENTRAL MIDDLE)
the feasibility and constructibility of specific components of
F-2 the Scenario C plan also guided the refinement of specific
aspects of the schematic design, and are represented in the
EX. BUILDING
overall opinion of probable cost.
(CENTRAL MIDDLE)
+HP (61)
The most detailed aspect of the Mollie’s Branch project, which

required the greatest amount of detail for cost estimation
purposes, was within the expanded floodplain restoration
area at the Middle School recreational complex. While the
EX. PARKING
AREA
project, more broadly, includes scope of work categorized as:
Erosion and Sediment Control, Site Demolition, Clearing and
Grubbing, Earthwork, Utility Relocation, Roadway Repair and
Resurfacing, Roadway Infrastructure Improvements, Planting
and Stabilization, and Design / Engineering and Permitting
55 Services, the Middle School site also calls for additional
line items pertinent to: Walkways and Trails, Site Walls and
Fencing, and Educational Signage.
The total cost of construction (not including additional

potential costs associated with grant administration, local
NORTH 25 ft
project management, and long-term maintenance) was
estimated to be: $4,927,533.00 as of December 2022.
65
HYDRAULIC MODELING: METHODS OVERVIEW

Hydraulic models use stream data and mathematical 1-foot lower) than currently shown in published flood maps allow for adequate floodplain conveyance. Williamson, Burkhead, and Lewis Streets.
inputs to analyze existing capabilities and predict future (FEMA, 2022) of the Mollie’s Branch study area.
effectiveness of changes to stream systems. This study + Maximum Slopes of 3:1: horizontal to vertical grade; side EXISTING & PROPOSED EXISTING CULVERT MODELED CULVERT
used a hydraulic model to evaluate existing and proposed Restoration Concept Design: The horizontal alignment, slopes to meet the existing surface at no greater than 3:1. STREAM PROFILE (ROAD CROSSING) REPLACEMENT
flooding conditions along the Mollie’s Branch corridor vertical alignment, width, and depth of proposed (1) 6’H x 8”W RCBC (1) 6’H x 10’W RCBC
(WASHINGTON ST) + (2) 48” RCP
SCENARIO A
from Washington Street (north) to the abandoned railroad restoration scenarios considered the following: AutoCAD Civil3D was then used to develop a three-
embankment near Main Street (south) in Whiteville. Model dimensional surface of two proposed stream and floodplain (2) 60” CMP
(WILLIAMSON ST) (1) 6’H x 20’W RCBC
outputs visualized the flood depth and inundation extents 1 Parcel Context: restoration scenarios. For both of the modeled scenarios,
(2) 60” CMP
from two different stream restoration conditions in + Stream Adjacent Properties: properties and associated the following steps included: (BURKHEAD ST) (1) 6’H x 20’W RCBC
comparison to the existing flood conditions associated with parcel lines that adjoin the existing stream channel. 60’W PROFILE (2) 60” CMP
(1) 6’H x 20’W RCBC
various rainfall return periods (10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-year STEP MERGE NEW FLOODPLAIN to create a digital elevation model of TYPICAL CONDITION (LEWIS ST)
ONE SURFACES WITH LiDAR DATA the proposed restoration scenarios
flood events) in the study area. + Buyout Zones: properties included in proposed ‘buyout Table 1. Scenario A: Proposed Restoration and Infrastructure Conditions.
zones’ via State-administered hazard mitigation programs.
Existing Conditions Model: The U.S. Army Corps of STEP IMPORT DIGITAL ELEVATION to update cross section geometry B Scenarios B + C: Stream and Floodplain
C
Engineers Hydraulic Engineering Center River Analysis + Access Easements: locations of City-maintained access TWO MODEL INTO HEC-RAS of proposed restoration scenarios Restoration + Crossing Modifications
System (HEC-RAS) model (USACE, 2022) was used to evaluate easements for Mollie’s Branch (30-feet width, typical). Scenario B assumes homeowner participation in State-
flooding and test the impacts of stream and floodplain Note: A Manning’s roughness value of 0.12 was used for the administered buyout programs immediately adjacent to
restoration along Mollie’s Branch. The existing condition 2 Locations of Existing Infrastructure: floodplain and a value of 0.05 was used for the restored Mollie’s Branch, and utilizes a wider restoration footprint
HEC-RAS model for Mollie’s Branch was obtained from the + Invert Elevations: culverts at existing road crossings. channel (Chow, 1959), which are the same Manning’s to further enhance hydraulic performance. This condition
North Carolina Flood Risk Information System (NC FRIS) roughness values used in the existing effective model. allows for the channel and floodplain restoration to widen to
database (NCFMP, 2019). Validation of the existing conditions + Road / Bridge Stream Crossing Locations: existing points 100-feet in total width. Scenario C uses a similar floodplain
HEC-RAS model included the following steps: of intersection with Mollie’s Branch. Model Simulations: Initial analysis indicated that neither width, but with a different alignment that does not overlap
crossing modifications nor channel and floodplain with the expanded buyout area. Both scenarios (B and C)
STEP SURVEY EXISTING recording culvert type + 3 Model Conditions: restoration alone would substantially reduce flooding along upgrade the infrastructure conditions at Washington (via
ONE CULVERT CONDITIONS size + invert elevation + Sizing: using the bankfull areas regional curve for the Mollie’s Branch. Therefore, two scenarios that combined culvert) and Burkhead (via bridge), and also remove the
Coastal Plain (Doll, et al., 2003). both stream restoration and infrastructure modifications road crossings at Williamson and Lewis Streets (either
STEP TRANSFORM SURVEY based on LiDAR elevations were evaluated using the HEC-RAS model. The modeling terminating the roads as cul-de-sacs or connecting back
TWO TO NAVD 88 DATUM of adjacent roads + Width to Depth Ratio of 12: width of the channel to mean scenarios that were evaluated include: into the existing street grid).
depth of the channel.
STEP COMPARE LiDAR DATA TO using benchmarks in area with A Scenario A: Two Stage Ditch + Crossing Modifications EXISTING & PROPOSED EXISTING CULVERT MODELED CULVERT
THREE NC GEODETIC SURVEY 0.15-foot maximum difference STREAM PROFILE (ROAD CROSSING) REPLACEMENT
+ Sinuosity Ratio of 1.2: channel length to valley length; a This scenario enhances the hydraulic performance of
sinuosity ratio of 1.2 is considered moderate-to-low for Mollie’s Branch without additional property acquisitions or
SCENARIOS B + C
(1) 6’H x 8”W RCBC (1) 6’H x 10’W RCBC
(WASHINGTON ST) + (2) 48” RCP
The effective model was subsequently updated to show Coastal Plain streams. major modifications to roadways in the project area. This
more accurate conditions for overbank areas, roadway is accomplished through: i) the use of a a two-stage ditch (2) 60” CMP
(WILLIAMSON ST) REMOVED
elevations, and culverts. These updates to the model resulted + Stream Bend Curvature: using relatively large radii for approach with floodplain bench that occupies the existing
(2) 60” CMP
in culvert and road surface elevations that were lowered curvatures to limit bank shear stress. channel footprint (approximately 30-feet wide) and an (BURKHEAD ST) 40’L BRIDGE
between 1.1- and 1.4-feet based on LiDAR data and survey existing 30-foot access easement maintained by the City of 100’W PROFILE (2) 60” CMP
REMOVED
findings, which ultimately yielded narrower and shallower + Entrenchment Ratio of 5: width of the floodplain to width Whiteville (60-feet in total width); and ii) upgrading culverts TYPICAL CONDITION (LEWIS ST)
flood inundation extents and elevations (approximately 0.5- to of the channel; an entrenchment ratio of 5 is assumed to at locations where Mollie’s Branch intersects Washington, Table 2. Scenarios B + C: Proposed Restoration and Infrastructure Conditions.
67
10-YEAR FLOOD EVENT 25-YEAR FLOOD EVENT 50-YEAR FLOOD EVENT 100-YEAR FLOOD EVENT
EXISTING + PROPOSED FLOOD EXTENTS EXISTING + PROPOSED FLOOD EXTENTS EXISTING + PROPOSED FLOOD EXTENTS EXISTING + PROPOSED FLOOD EXTENTS
EXISTING CONDITION EXISTING CONDITION EXISTING CONDITION EXISTING CONDITION

PROPOSED CONDITION PROPOSED CONDITION PROPOSED CONDITION PROPOSED CONDITION
(#) STRUCTURES INTERSECTING (#) ROADS OVERTOPPED DUE (#) STRUCTURES INTERSECTING (#) ROADS OVERTOPPED DUE (#) STRUCTURES INTERSECTING (#) ROADS OVERTOPPED DUE (#) STRUCTURES INTERSECTING (#) ROADS OVERTOPPED DUE
MODELED FLOOD EXTENTS TO MODELED FLOOD DEPTH MODELED FLOOD EXTENTS TO MODELED FLOOD DEPTH MODELED FLOOD EXTENTS TO MODELED FLOOD DEPTH MODELED FLOOD EXTENTS TO MODELED FLOOD DEPTH
20 4 3 0 30 13 3 0 32 16 4 1 37 19 4 1
EXISTING PROPOSED EXISTING PROPOSED EXISTING PROPOSED EXISTING PROPOSED EXISTING PROPOSED EXISTING PROPOSED EXISTING PROPOSED EXISTING PROPOSED
SCENARIO ‘A’ HYDRAULIC MODELING RESULTS

The modeling results for Scenarios A & B were evaluated Washington, Williamson, Burkhead, and Lewis Street. these roadway crossings. In Scenario A, Washington Street’s
by examining the decrease in water surface elevation Burkhead Street overtops even during 5-year flood events single 6’ H x 8” W RCBC culvert is replaced by one 6’ H x 10’
(WSE) and spatial extent of flooding for the range of (4.97 inches over 24 hours). Lewis and Williamson Streets W RCBC and two 48” RCP. Williamson, Burkhead, and Lewis’s
rainfall return periods (10-, 25-, 50-, 100-year flood events). overtop during 10-year flood events. Washington Street two 60” CMP’s are replaced by 6’ H X 20’ W RCBC. With these
The existing condition of Mollie’s Branch results in some overtops during 100-year flood events. Much of this roadway changes, none of these roadways overtop during even 100-
extent of roadway flooding at all of the studied crossings: flooding is relieved by increasing the culvert size at each of year flood events, with the exception of Burkhead Street.
69

ELIGIBLE BUYOUT PARCELS ELIGIBLE BUYOUT PARCELS ELIGIBLE BUYOUT PARCELS ELIGIBLE BUYOUT PARCELS
20 4* 3 0 30 12* 3 0 32 12* 4 0 37 14* 4 0

* does not include properties within the expanded Voluntary Buyout Zone
SCENARIO ‘B’ HYDRAULIC MODELING RESULTS

With a wider restoration footprint, upgraded culverts for RCBC and two 48” RCP. Burkhead Street’s two 60” CMP’s are residents’ ability to use these roadways during emergency
Washington and Burkhead Street, and the removal of road replaced by a bridge spanning 40 feet (minimum) across conditions. All vehicular threats relating to floodwaters
crossings at Williamson and Lewis Streets, Scenario B Mollie’s Branch, allowing for water to flow more freely in at Williamson and Lewis Streets are removed, since these
results in even greater flooding reductions when compared Mollie’s Branch. With Scenario B’s conditions, the remaining two roads terminate at cul-de-sacs or tie back into the
to Scenario A. Like Scenario A, Washington Street’s single roadway crossings of Washington and Burkhead Street will existing road network prior to intersecting the restored
6’ H x 8” W RCBC culvert is replaced by one 6’ H x 10’ W not overtop during even 100-year flooding events, preserving floodplain bench.
71

20 4 3 0 30 12 3 0 32 12 4 0 37 14 4 0
SCENARIO ‘C’ HYDRAULIC MODELING RESULTS

The Scenario C plan is similar in design to Scenario B, with the channel bed and floodplain elevations were dropped by supplemental 48” RCPs at Washington Street. two 60” CMPs fields. For Scenario C, Burkhead Street would not overtop for
only minor revisions to reflect public feedback received. 0.5 - 1.0 feet relative to Scenario B. This change allows for are replaced with a 100’ length bridge (minimum; including the 100-year event, and like Scenario B, all vehicular threats
Compared to Scenario B, the floodplain in Scenario C is similar flood reduction benefits as Scenario B (e.g., for the a 50’ opening) at Burkhead Street, and the two 60” CMPs relating to floodwaters at Williamson and Lewis Streets are
slightly narrower and more closely follows the existing stream 25-year rainfall event, substantial flooding outside the newly located at Williamson and Lewis Streets are removed entirely. removed, since these two roads terminate at cul-de-sacs or
alignment. To accommodate the resulting impacts to water constructed floodplain is mostly eliminated). As in Scenario In total, about 3 feet of WSE reduction could be achieved tie back into the existing road network prior to intersecting
surface elevations (WSE) due to this narrower floodplain, B, the Scenario C plan includes: one 6’ H x 8” W RCBC and two for both Scenarios B and C upstream of the school athletic the restored floodplain area.
73
7,999,738
$
TOTAL BENEFITS
FFE: 67.23 FFE: 66.38 FFE: 68.06 FFE: 67.89 FFE: 66.42
703 WASHINGTON ST 711 BRYCE ST 705 BRYCE ST 701 BOB WHITE LN 305 STANLEY ST
FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE:
EVENT EXISTING PROPOSED WSE EVENT EXISTING PROPOSED WSE EVENT EXISTING PROPOSED WSE EVENT EXISTING PROPOSED WSE EVENT EXISTING PROPOSED WSE
10-YR 64.47 62.91 -1.56 10-YR 64.47 62.88 -1.59 10-YR 64.47 62.83 -1.64 10-YR 64.39 62.40 -1.99 10-YR 64.05 59.96 -4.09
25-YR 64.82 63.45 -1.37 25-YR 64.79 63.42 -1.37 25-YR 64.78 63.42 -1.37 25-YR 64.69 63.03 -1.66 25-YR 64.24 60.70 -3.54
50-YR 65.02 63.83 -1.19 50-YR 65.04 63.79 -1.25 50-YR 65.00 63.79 -1.21 50-YR 64.89 63.38 -1.51 50-YR 64.36 61.05 -3.31
100-YR 65.26 64.16 -1.10 100-YR 65.28 64.12 -1.16 100-YR 65.22 64.11 -1.11 100-YR 65.10 63.75 -1.35 100-YR 64.48 61.47 -3.01
BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS FFE: 67.03 FFE: 65.34 FFE: 65.96 FFE: 65.98 FFE: 65.53
FEMA’s Benefit-Cost Calculator (V.6.0) was used to estimate resident was used as a minimum occupancy standard for all 301 STANLEY ST 613 PINEWOOD DR 615 PINEWOOD DR 617 PINEWOOD DR 619 PINEWOOD DR
the damage reduction for each of the impacted structures non-vacant structures in the study area. FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE:
and the value of the project’s social and ecosystem 10-YR 64.05 59.83 -4.22 10-YR 62.29 59.62 -2.67 10-YR 62.24 59.48 -2.76 10-YR 62.19 59.37 -2.82 10-YR 62.11 59.27 -2.84
services. The inputs used to develop the BCA are outlined Expected Damages: Floodplain & Stream Restoration 25-YR 64.23 60.61 -3.62 25-YR 62.55 60.32 -2.23 25-YR 62.51 60.22 -2.29 25-YR 62.44 60.15 -2.29 25-YR 62.31 60.05 -2.26
50-YR 64.35 60.93 -3.42 50-YR 62.71 60.64 -2.07 50-YR 62.68 60.47 -2.21 50-YR 62.59 60.41 -2.18 50-YR 62.43 60.27 -2.16
below and followed by a discussion of the findings: A separate line item was created in the Benefit-Cost Calculator 100-YR 64.46 61.36 -3.10 100-YR 62.88 61.08 -1.80 100-YR 62.87 61.00 -1.87 100-YR 62.76 60.87 -1.89 100-YR 62.63 60.71 -1.92
to account for the ecosystem services benefits from the
Modeled Damages: Residential & Non-Residential Structures proposed mitigation actions. All of the project costs and FFE: 66.11 FFE: 64.41 FFE: 65.12 FFE: 64.41 FFE: 64.69
Each structure currently impacted by flooding up to the 100- maintenance costs were included in this section and the 624 BURKHEAD ST 620 BURKHEAD ST 619 BURKHEAD ST 116 MAULTSBY DR 114 MAULTSBY DR
year flood event was input into the Benefit-Cost Calculator as default PUL value (30 years) was used. Since the expected FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE:
a separate line item. Hydraulic modeling results provided a damage reduction for each impacted property had already been 10-YR 62.04 59.17 -2.87 10-YR 62.04 59.17 -2.87 10-YR 61.12 58.70 -2.42 10-YR 60.76 58.34 -2.42 10-YR 60.73 58.26 -2.47
detailed analysis of the water surface elevations (WSE) for 10-, calculated as a separate line item, the ‘Professional Expected 25-YR 62.25 60.03 -2.22 25-YR 62.25 60.03 -2.22 25-YR 61.47 59.51 -1.96 25-YR 61.07 59.22 -1.85 25-YR 60.99 59.16 -1.83
25-, 50-, and 100-year flood events for current conditions and Damages’ sections were left blank, and only the ‘Standard 50-YR 62.37 60.26 -2.11 50-YR 62.31 60.26 -2.05 50-YR 61.69 59.63 -2.06 50-YR 61.25 59.35 -1.90 50-YR 61.17 59.26 -1.91
100-YR 62.52 60.69 -1.83 100-YR 62.51 60.69 -1.82 100-YR 61.95 60.05 -1.90 100-YR 61.46 59.69 -1.77 100-YR 61.30 59.60 -1.70
conditions after mitigation. The following inputs and sources Benefits - Ecosystem Services’ section was completed. The
were used to complete required BCA information for each of following inputs and sources used to calculate ecosystem FFE: 63.26 FFE: 62.26 FFE: 63.33 FFE: 67.91 FFE: 67.91
the structures: service benefits: 104 MAULTSBY DR 100 MAULTSBY DR 601 LEWIS ST 606 WASHINGTON ST 610 WASHINGTON ST
FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE:
+ Project Cost: $0 - each impacted structure was included only + Project Area (15.07 acres): Calculated from the Limits of EVENT EXISTING PROPOSED WSE EVENT EXISTING PROPOSED WSE EVENT EXISTING PROPOSED WSE EVENT EXISTING PROPOSED WSE EVENT EXISTING PROPOSED WSE
10-YR 60.57 58.12 -2.45 10-YR 60.48 58.03 -2.45 10-YR 58.33 57.81 -0.52 10-YR 66.22 63.68 -2.54 10-YR 66.22 63.68 -2.54
to estimate damage reduction from the mitigation action. The Work boundary illustrated in Scenario ‘C.’ 25-YR 60.78 59.00 -1.78 25-YR 60.66 58.93 -1.73 25-YR 59.02 58.74 -0.28 25-YR 67.01 64.57 -2.44 25-YR 67.01 64.57 -2.44
full cost of the project was included as a separate line item. 50-YR 60.90 59.06 -1.84 50-YR 60.76 59.00 -1.76 50-YR 59.10 58.74 -0.36 50-YR 67.82 65.36 -2.46 50-YR 67.82 65.36 -2.46
100-YR 61.06 59.39 -1.67 100-YR 60.89 59.28 -1.61 100-YR 59.37 58.96 -0.41 100-YR 68.14 65.86 -2.28 100-YR 68.14 65.86 -2.28
+ Benefit Category: Values for ‘Urban Green Space’ and
+ Lowest Floor Elevation: North Carolina Emergency ‘Riparian’ areas were estimated from the Scenario ‘C’ plan. The FFE: 68.57 FFE: 68.15 FFE: 70.10 15.01 ACRE PROJECT AREA
Management (NCEM) manages a dataset containing all building educational constructed wetlands, trails, and recreational open
614 WASHINGTON ST 702 WASHINGTON ST 706 WASHINGTON ST ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
footprints in the state. The data was developed for the North space around the Central Middle School site were considered
FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE: FLOOD WSE: WSE: PROPOSED LAND USE AREA VALUE / ACRE / PROJECT USEFUL
Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program (fris.nc.gov) as part of ‘Urban Green Open Space’ (1.95 acres; 12.94% of the Project EVENT EXISTING PROPOSED WSE EVENT EXISTING PROPOSED WSE EVENT EXISTING PROPOSED WSE (FEMA DESIGNATIONS) (ACRES) YEAR ($) LIFE (YEARS)
10-YR 66.34 64.45 -1.89 10-YR 66.17 64.18 -1.99 10-YR 66.00 63.64 -2.36 “RIPARIAN” 9.79 37,199 30
its effort to modernize FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) Area). All areas within the widened stream channel and the
$
25-YR 67.08 65.43 -1.65 25-YR 66.97 64.82 -2.15 25-YR 66.93 64.00 -2.93 “URBAN GREEN SPACE” 1.95 $
15,541 30
statewide. Data for structures located within the SFHA includes adjacent low-lying areas were considered ‘Riparian’ (9.79 acres; 50-YR 67.86 66.01 -1.85 50-YR 67.80 65.33 -2.47 50-YR 67.77 64.93 -2.84
accurate measure of FFE collected by laser inclinometer. 64.96% of the Project Area). 3.33 acres of the Project Area 100-YR 68.18 66.41 -1.77 100-YR 68.12 65.80 -2.32 100-YR 68.09 65.45 -2.64 LIMITS OF DISTURBANCE 15.01 -- --
(22.10% of the Project Area) were not included in the estimation

+ Hazard Probability Parameters (Flood): Raw data from the of ecosystem service benefits for this project (see Appendix B:
hydraulic model was used to identify streambed elevations, Ecosystem Service Areas for a coinciding map of these areas).
WSEs (before and after mitigation), and discharge values for
each structure. Results & Discussion 5,620,826
$
Using the 3% discount rate per FEMA’s memorandum (October TOTAL COSTS
+ Building Information: Property tax cards from the Columbus 2022), the combined damage reduction and ecosystem service
ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COSTS: COST ($) + COST CATEGORY
County Online GIS database. benefits expected from this stream restoration project totaled
COST ESTIMATE SUMMARY
$
7,999,738. With an estimated total project cost of $5,620,826,
+ Standard Benefits (Building + Contents + Displacement): the final benefit cost ratio (BCR) for the proposed scope 255,000 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 487,643 EARTHWORK 4,160 EDUCATIONAL SIGNAGE 448,000 DESIGN / ENGINEERING
$ $ $ $
$
195,452 EROSION + SEDIMENT CONTROL $
1,036,497 UTILITY RELOCATION $
135,106 SITE WALLS + FENCING
Property tax cards from the Columbus County Online GIS of work was calculated to be 1.42, which establishes cost $
106.092 SITE DEMOLITION $
228,691 ROADWAY REPAIR + RESURFACING $
1,320,000 ROADWAY INFRASTRUCTURE $
25,596 ANNUAL MAINTENANCE (30 YEARS)
database, FEMA BCA default values, and a value of one (1) effectiveness for this project. $
19,266 CLEAR + GRUB $
357,854 WALKWAYS / TRAILS $
333,722 PLANTING + STABILIZATION $
246,376 GRANT / PROJECT MANAGEMENT
75
PATHWAYS + TRAILS
EDUCATIONAL WETLANDS
OVERLOOK + RESTROOM FACILITY
LEVERAGING NATURE-
REFORESTED BUFFER
BASED SOLUTIONS
The restoration of Mollie’s Branch – and the process
connected to its development and refinement – represent a
scope of work that reflects the preferences of community
stakeholders, has garnered support from local leadership,
and has been determined to be a cost-effective solution for
reducing flood damages in the project area.
This is an important project for Whiteville in its recovery

from Hurricane Florence in that it will deliver much-needed
solutions to flooding in an area that is long overdue for
mitigation services. However, as a small community in a
rural county, projects containing these types of benefits are
seldom accessible due to a combination of environmental
and demographic vulnerabilities facing the city and its
people. This project is a significant opportunity for grantors
FLOODPLAIN RESTORATION
to demonstrate support for flood mitigation needs and
Image. Schematic Rendering. resilience-building measures within this community.
77
ELEVATION ASSESSMENT + “DE-PAVE” PROGRAM
DOWNTOWN CORE
79
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT #3 (B)

SEPTEMBER 2022
ELEVATION ASSESSMENT UPDATE + “DE-PAVE” ALTERNATIVES

Stakeholders who participated in the first Whiteville and project partners from the City presented posters
Floodprint public engagement event (April 2022) expressed that communicated: i) an update on progress being made
a need for interventions that respond to nuisance flooding towards the elevation assessment of buildings within the
experienced along downtown sidewalks, roadways, and Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA; “100-Year Floodplain); and
This engagement event provided stakeholders with an update on

progress being made towards the elevation assessment of buildings
within the SFHA, and also presented a series of potential “de-pave”
conditions to solicit feedback on program direction. All feedback
received was used to refine and guide final recommendations.
business fronts in addition to more substantive mitigation ii) a series of potential “de-pave” illustrations that could be
measures, such as the acquisition (and demolition) or applied across various existing conditions in Whiteville’s
elevation of buildings. Central Business District (CBD) to help with nuisance
flooding concerns.
+ Format, Steup, and Goals: During a September 2022
public engagement event, representatives from the CDDL Engagement activities focused on fielding questions
relating to the elevation assessment, and gathering input
as to the fit, preferences (ascertained via stakeholder
votes), and programmatic opportunities relating to the
WARD’S potential “de-pave” program.
+
GRILL WALTER ST
VINELAND DEPOT
All the feedback received from participating stakeholders
MADISON ST
was used to both refine and guide final recommendations
+
CAPE FEAR VALLEY
PRIMARY CARE +
for both the “de-pave” program as well as the interior
retrofit (“floating floor elevations”) of buildings satisfying
MAIN ST
specific assessment criteria.
FRANKLIN ST
+ ANTHONY’S
ITALIAN
COM
MER
CE S
T
Photo. Whiteville Floodprint public engagement event (CDDL, 2022).

Key Map. Public Engagement Location: Vineland Depot.
81
+ WET FLOODPROOF ENTRY VESTIBULE

UP TO DESIGNED FLOOD ELEVATION (DFE)
NUISANCE FLOODING
CE
ILI + ELEVATE VIA “FLOATING FLOOR” ABOVE
NG
+ DESIGNED FLOOD ELEVATION (DFE)
ELEVATION ASSESSMENT: METHODS + FEASIBILITY OVERVIEW SEVERE FLOODING
Interior Retrofits: “Floating Floor” Elevations. A combination CBD, sixty-two (62) address points were identified as also
of geospatial analyses, field measurements, and design being within the SFHA and were further assessed.
considerations were used to identify, assess, and develop FL
OO
RA R-TO
recommendations for various elevation techniques in Second, a series of screening measures were used to INT TIO -C
ER PE EIL
Whiteville’s downtown core. A summary of associated processes ascertain which structures contain potentially suitable IO R IN
(8’ R RE MITS G
used in this analysis are illustrated and described below. conditions for an interior retrofit (“floating floor”) technique -0” TR
DF MIN OFI
of elevation. EX E ) T
.F +
STEP
ONE
IDENTIFY BUILDINGS
WITHIN SFHA
building footprints that intersect This type of elevation was prioritized during this phase
FE
+
+ +
the SFHA (100-year floodplain)
of analysis because nearly all of the structures within the
CBD and SFHA in Whiteville have physical constraints that
STEP SCREEN FOR FFE’S BELOW THE FFE’s lower than the BFE (100-year would make other forms of elevation (e.g., structural lift via
TWO (A) DESIGN FLOOD ELEVATION WSE) + 2-feet of freeboard hydraulic jacks) either impracticable or cost-prohibitive.
This elevation method leaves the structure on its original
STEP SCREEN FOR FEASIBLE masonry construction + general foundation but abandons the existing slab floor, and then
TWO (B) STRUCTURAL CONDITIONS integrity + slab-on-grade foundation elevates the primary living area via a newly constructed
flooring system that is above designed flood heights (the
STEP SCREEN FOR PRELIMINARY exclude buildings with large areas abandoned lower enclosed area can only be used for
TWO (C) COST-EFFECTIVENESS (e.g., sq ft greater than 3,000 sq ft) storage and subfloor access post-construction). Additional
from floor to lowest upper constraint

information regarding these methods are referenced in the
2015 Addendum to HMA Guidance E.4.1, with greater detail
+ FL
O
RAOR-T
STEP
THREE (A)
FIELD MEASURE
PE TIO DO-CE
FLOOR-TO-CEILING RATIOS (e.g., ceiling or roof structure) provided in FEMA P-312: “Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting” RM OE IL
IT S IN
(2014), specifically within Section 3.3.1). RE INT NOTG
TR ER
OF IOR
STEP e.g., window and door placement or IT
ASSESS ADDITIONAL
THREE (B) CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS HVAC / utility locations Using data from North Carolina Emergency Management
(NCEM), the First Floor Elevation (FFE) of each address point
STEP DETERMINE HEIGHT must maintain a minimum of 8-feet (n = 62) was compared against the designated Base Flood
FOUR BETWEEN DFE + CEILING clear for permitted living space Elevation (BFE; or the water surface elevation of a 100-year
flood event) plus two-feet (2’-0”) of Freeboard (above the
BFE) at each property location. The BFE plus two-feet of
First, the “Select by Location” geoprocessing tool in ArcGIS Freeboard is equal to the Design Flood Elevation (DFE) in
Pro was used to identify building footprints within Whiteville’s Columbus County (NC) and in Whiteville. NUISANCE FLOODING
Central Business District that intersect the Special Flood + SELECT “DE-PAVE AREAS”
Hazard Area (SFHA). Note: While the extents of Hurricane Structures with FFE’s below the DFE were then further IN RIGHTS-OF-WAY
Florence (2018) in Whiteville exceeded the mapped extent screened for additional structural and cost-effectiveness
of the SFHA (i.e., 100-year floodplain), floodplain ordinances, measures necessary for this technique of elevation to
regulations, and benefit-cost analysis tools are generally be feasible. These additional measures included, but
geared toward properties within the SFHA, and thus provided were not limited to: building material, foundation type,
the study area extents for this analysis. Within the Whiteville general structural integrity, existing building use, and the Image. Example of Interior Retrofit via “Floating Floor” Elevation + Example of “De-Pave” Area via Parallel Parking Bulb-Out.
83
ELEVATION ASSESSMENT: METHODS + FEASIBILITY OVERVIEW

square footage of occupiable / living space. Structures Cost Effectiveness Considerations. While the processes above this budget threshold, grant funding from agencies comparable to the scale of Hurricane Florence (1,000-year-
that satisfied all of the screening criteria relied on field- used during this elevation assessment generally considered such as FEMA will be difficult (if not impossible) to obtain. plus flood event) to occur. With this in mind, four (4) of
collected data to determine final feasibility for interior cost effectiveness during the screening process, final the five (5) structures illustrated for interior retrofits in
retrofit potential. opinions of construction cost will be required in order to Long-Term Maintenance Considerations. While the City this document, have drop ceilings that could be further
determine the financial feasibility associated with each of Whiteville is most typically the subapplicant responsible minimized – and in doing so – would allow the newly
Third, field measurements for the floor-to-ceiling height interior retrofit. These budgets will need to consider unit for submitting and administering a grant application for proposed FFE for the primary livable space to be even
(i.e., the FFE to the lowest vertical constraint) were costs for specific line items associated with the funding consideration to an entity such as FEMA, individual higher than what is visually depicted as recommendations.
private property owners are responsible for the long-term
Of the sixty-two (62) address points that are within Whiteville’s maintenance associated with the proposed scope of work.
Central Business District (CBD) and Special Flood Hazard Area While the illustrated drawings show recommendations for
elevation that are both in compliance with Columbus County
(SFHA), ten (10) addresses (five uniques structures, in total) were (and City of Whiteville) floodplain management ordinances
(Base Flood Elevation plus two-feet of Freeboard) and are
assessed as having the most suitable conditions for interior retrofit above the Water Surface Elevation (WSE) of a modeled
500-year flood event (source: NC State University Coastal
(“floating floor”) elevation techniques. Dynamics Design Lab, 2022), there are some residual flood
risks that will remain post-construction.
collected, in addition to supplemental building conditions components illustrated for each structure, and are likely to Specifically, in order to preserve the front facade aesthetic
that require consideration for constructibility (e.g., derive from a range of sources (e.g., quotes from licensed and ground-level accessibility to the front of each building,
window and door placement, HVAC / utility locations). In contractors, average costs for similar work in the region, a combination of stairs, ramps, and/or wheelchair lifts will
total, eighteen (18) address points satisfied all geospatial published unit costs from cost estimating databases, be required internal to the building shell of each address. As
screening and field-collected criteria. Of these 18, ten (10) and industry standards for services as a percentage of such, each schematic design includes a wet floodproofed
address points (five unique structures) were assessed as anticipated construction costs). vestibule for the first eight-to-twelve horizontal feet, offset
being the most suitable for the proposed form of elevation from the front door.
(“Step Four”). These addresses include: 916, 918, 920, 922, It is recommended that the City of Whiteville, in partnership
924, 1001, 1003, 1015, 107, and 1019 South Madison Street with individual property owners, consider grant programs Wet floodproofing utilizes: flood resistant flooring and
– elevation and section view illustrations that depict the offered by FEMA (e.g., Building Resilient Infrastructure and wall materials, flood vents, and elevated utilities in order
recommended interior retrofits for each of these structures Communities (BRIC), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), to reduce property damages during a flood event. Areas
is provided in the pages that follow. or Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs (HMGP)) as potential that are wet floodproofed are not designed to keep water
funding mechanisms for these projects. As it relates to cost out of the building, rather, these measures are designed
The remaining eight (8) address points not depicted were effectiveness however, each property must pass a benefit- to let water in during a flood event (balancing hydrostatic
determined to be of secondary priority because the amount cost analysis to be eligible for funding. pressure) and allow for a faster clean up post-flood.
of vertical space available for an interior retrofit was marginal
(e.g., three step risers or less), compared to the other address Currently, FEMA utilizes a dollar figure of $205,000.00 as Furthermore, extreme flood events may present flood
points shown as being most suitable. These addresses a pre-calculated benefit for elevation projects. This dollar heights that are greater than the newly proposed FFE for
include: 119 Caldis Street, 904, 908, 910, 914, 1018, and amount should be viewed, in general, as a budget ceiling. the primary livable space. While events of this magnitude
1020 South Madison Street, and 205 West Main Street. Should any of the depicted elevations be determined to be are generally unlikely, risks still remain for events
85
920 918 918 916

924 922
RECOMMENDED MIN. RECOMMENDED (0.94’ ABOVE EX. FFE)

(0.57’’ ABOVE EX. FFE)
FFE CHANGE: 1’-11” FFE CHANGE: 1’-11” DESIGN FLOOD
DESIGN FLOOD ELEVATION (DFE)
ELEVATION (DFE)
SECTION
SECTION
REDUCE PLENUM TO: 1’-6” REDUCE PLENUM TO: 1’-6”
EX. DROP CEILING EX. DROP CEILING
MIN. HEIGHT FOR MIN. HEIGHT FOR

LIVABLE SPACE: 8’-0” LIVABLE SPACE: 8’-0”
(0.94’ ABOVE EX. FFE)

DESIGN FLOOD
DESIGN FLOOD RECOMMENDED MIN. ELEVATION (DFE) RECOMMENDED MIN.
ELEVATION (DFE) FFE CHANGE: 1’-11” FFE CHANGE: 1’-11”
WET FLOODPROOF: VESTIBULE WET FLOODPROOF: VESTIBULE

+ FLOOD RESISTANT FLOORING + FLOOD RESISTANT FLOORING
+ FLOOD RESISTANT WALLS UP TO DFE ELEVATE: “FLOATING FLOOR” + FLOOD RESISTANT WALLS UP TO DFE ELEVATE: “FLOATING FLOOR”
+ FLOOD VENTS ALONG EXTERIOR WALLS + DRY FLOODPROOF BELOW NEW FLOOR + FLOOD VENTS ALONG EXTERIOR WALLS + DRY FLOODPROOF BELOW NEW FLOOR
+ OUTLETS ELEVATED ABOVE DFE + STAIRS + HANDRAILS + OUTLETS ELEVATED ABOVE DFE + STAIRS + HANDRAILS
+ ADA RAMP OR LIFT + ADA RAMP OR LIFT
+ RE-CONNECT / EXTEND UTILITIES + RE-CONNECT / EXTEND UTILITIES
916 + 918 + 920 SOUTH MADISON STREET 922 + 924 SOUTH MADISON STREET
916, 918, and 920 South Madison Street is a masonry, the structure is 57.53-feet, which leaves the primary livable 922 and 924 South Madison Street is a masonry, slab-on- structure is 57.16-feet, which leaves the primary livable
slab-on-grade commercial structure that was constructed space 0.57-feet below the DFE. Field measurements confirm grade commercial structure that was constructed in 1951. space 0.94-feet below the DFE. Field measurements confirm
in 1947. Located within Whiteville’s Special Flood Hazard ample space within the interior of the building to raise the Located within Whiteville’s Special Flood Hazard Area, the ample space within the interior of the building to raise the
Area, the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for this structure is at FFE by at least 1-feet, 11-inches if the plenum area is reduced Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for this structure is at elevation FFE by at least 1-feet, 11-inches if the plenum area is reduced
elevation 56.10-feet, meaning the Design Flood Elevation to a minimum dimension, and potentially more, if the area 56.10-feet, meaning the Design Flood Elevation (DFE) is to a minimum dimension, and potentially more, if the area
(DFE) is 58.10-feet. The existing First Floor Elevation (FFE) of above the existing drop ceiling is made available. 58.10-feet. The existing First Floor Elevation (FFE) of the above the existing drop ceiling is made available.
87
1001 1003
1015 1017 1017 1019
(1.28’ ABOVE EX. FFE) RECOMMENDED (0.89’ ABOVE EX. FFE)

RECOMMENDED MIN.
FFE CHANGE: 2’-0” DESIGN FLOOD FFE CHANGE: 2’-1” DESIGN FLOOD
ELEVATION (DFE) ELEVATION (DFE)
SECTION
SECTION
APPROX. PLENUM SPACE
AVAILABLE: 4-3”
(MAINTAIN MIN. OF 1’-6” MIN. HEIGHT FOR

FOR UTILITIES) LIVABLE SPACE: 8’-0”
EX. DROP CEILING

MIN. HEIGHT FOR DESIGN FLOOD RECOMMENDED
LIVABLE SPACE: 8’-0” ELEVATION (DFE) FFE CHANGE: 2’-1”

DESIGN FLOOD
ELEVATION (DFE) RECOMMENDED MIN.
FFE CHANGE: 2’-0” WET FLOODPROOF: VESTIBULE
+ FLOOD RESISTANT FLOORING
+ FLOOD RESISTANT WALLS UP TO DFE ELEVATE: “FLOATING FLOOR”
+ FLOOD VENTS ALONG EXTERIOR WALLS + DRY FLOODPROOF BELOW NEW FLOOR
+ OUTLETS ELEVATED ABOVE DFE + STAIRS + HANDRAILS
WET FLOODPROOF: VESTIBULE + ADA RAMP OR LIFT
+ FLOOD RESISTANT FLOORING + RE-CONNECT / EXTEND UTILITIES
+ FLOOD RESISTANT WALLS UP TO DFE ELEVATE: “FLOATING FLOOR”
+ FLOOD VENTS ALONG EXTERIOR WALLS + DRY FLOODPROOF BELOW NEW FLOOR
+ OUTLETS ELEVATED ABOVE DFE + STAIRS + HANDRAILS
+ ADA RAMP OR LIFT
+ RE-CONNECT / EXTEND UTILITIES
1001 + 1003 SOUTH MADISON STREET 1015 + 1017 + 1019 SOUTH MADISON STREET
1001 and 1003 South Madison Street are both masonry, First Floor Elevation (FFE) of both structures is 56.62-feet, 1015, 1017, and 1019 South Madison Street is a masonry, slab- structures is 57.01-feet, which leaves the primary livable
slab-on-grade commercial structures that were constructed which leaves the primary livable space 1.28-feet below the on-grade commercial structure that was constructed in space 0.89-feet below the DFE. Field measurements confirm
in 1948 and 1949, respectively. Located within Whiteville’s DFE. Field measurements confirm ample space within the 1965. Located in Whiteville’s Special Flood Hazard Area, the ample space within the interior of the building to raise the
Special Flood Hazard Area, the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) interior of the buildings to raise the FFE by at least 2-feet, Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for this structure is at elevation FFE by approximately 2-feet, 1-inch before reaching the
for both structures is at elevation 55.90-feet, meaning the 0-inches, and potentially more, should additional space 55.90-feet, meaning the Design Flood Elevation (DFE) is at lowest vertical constraint (ceiling / roof substructure).
Design Flood Elevation (DFE) is 57.90-feet. The existing above the existing drop ceiling be utilized. 57.90-feet. The existing First Floor Elevation (FFE) of the
89
E RECOMMENDED FOR ELEVATION
CITY
HALL
+
CENTRAL BUSINESS
DISTRICT (CBD)
DOWNTOWN
COLUMBUS
“DE-PAVE” PROGRAM
While acquisition (and demolition) or elevation techniques better absorb stormwater, such as: planting strips and bulb
geared towards reducing damages to buildings will generally outs along streets or floating islands in parking lots.
be the most substantive mitigation response for severe
flooding events, a com bined approach that also considers The provided photos show a selection of these existing
nature-based infrastructure in the rights-of-way will help streetscape conditions in Whiteville’s downtown core (source:
VIRGIL
APPROX. EXTENTS:
HURRICANE FLORENCE
+
“The proposed intervention is to establish a “de-pave” program
that decreases paved surfaces in the downtown area by converting
WALTER
underutilized hardscape areas into various forms of green
JK POWELL
(US 701)
FRANKLIN
infrastructure that can better absorb stormwater, such as: planting
LEE
VINELAND
+DEPOT
strips and bulb outs along streets or floating islands in parking lots.” MAIN
reduce the impacts of smaller-scale flooding and drainage Google Earth, 2022), and compare this imagery to examples of
issues in downtown Whiteville. a proposed “de-pave” condition for each (sources; from left SPECIAL FLOOD
HAZARD AREA (SFHA)
to right: Center for Neighborhood Technology, 2022; City of
FLOODPLAIN
The proposed intervention is to establish a “de-pave” program Portland, OR, 2023; City of San Carlos, CA, 2022).
that decreases paved surfaces in the downtown area by
converting underutilized hardscape areas (impervious) into
various forms of green infrastructure (pervious) that can
916 + 918 + 920
S. MADISON E
Photos: Existing Street Views
922 + 924 E
S. MADISON
1001
E S. MADISON
1003
E S. MADISON
E
1015 + 1017 + 1019
S. MADISON
SOULE’S
Photos: Green Infrastructure
SWAMP
+
IMPERVIOUS SURFACES
ROADS, SIDEWALKS & PARKING LOTS
ON
DIS
MA
91
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT POSTERS: $ INITIAL FUNDING
“DE-PAVE” PROGRAM ALTERNATIVES

EXISTING WHITEVILLE leverage as “local match” requirement of
“Below are three examples of ways to replace paved areas with green spaces STORMWATER FEE bigger grant application (10%-25%)
that can reduce nuisance flooding. Please indicate with a push pin which of
REDUCING NUISANCE FLOODING THROUGH NATURE-BASED INTERVENTIONS the three alternatives you view as being the top priority in Downtown Whiteville.” +
STATE / FEDERAL primary funding source for design and
GRANT PROGRAM(S) construction services (75%-90%)
EXAMPLE #1 EXAMPLE #2 EXAMPLE #3 EXAMPLE #1 EXAMPLE #2 EXAMPLE #1 EXAMPLE #2 EXAMPLE #3
TOTAL SUM OF MONEY AVAILABLE TO FUND THE PROGRAM
APPLICATION + REVIEW
10
VOTES
8
VOTES
3
VOTES
PUBLIC PROPERTY
(PRIORITIZED LIST) prioritize implementation of potential
projects based on scoring metrics (e.g.,
+ location within the SFHA, intervention
PRIVATE PROPERTY type, etc.)
(VOLUNTARY APPLICATION)
TOTAL NUMBER OF PROJECTS THE PROGRAM COULD SUPPORT
BUILDING A BUILDING B BUILDING C BUILDING D BUILDING A BUILDING B BUILDING C BUILDING D BUILDING A BUILDING B BUILDING C BUILDING D
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK SIDEWALK
PLANTING STRIPS BULB OUTS FLOATING ISLAND PLANTERS DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION + MAINTENANCE
WHAT YOU GIVE UP WHAT YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE UP WHAT YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE UP WHAT YOU GET STEP STEP
ASSESS THE AGREE ON TERMS OF
SIDEWALK
SIDEWALK
SIDEWALK
SIDEWALK
SIDEWALK
SIDEWALK
SIDEWALK
+ A PORTION OF EXISTING SIDEWALK + STORMWATER CAPTURE POTENTIAL + A PORTION OF EXISTING + STORMWATER CAPTURE POTENTIAL + A PORTION OF PARKING SPACES + STORMWATER CAPTURE POTENTIAL ONE FOUR
+ VEGETATED BUFFER FROM ROAD ON-STREET PARKING + VEGETATED BUFFER FROM ROAD INSIDE EXISTING PARKING LOTS + REDUCED “URBAN HEAT ISLAND”
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE (AS NEEDED)
- PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - SHADE (if trees included)
- SHADE (if trees included) - SHADE (if trees included)
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK SIDEWALK
STEP MATCH WITH DESIGNER + STEP INSTALL THE
TWO FIVE
BUILDING E BUILDING F BUILDING G BUILDING H BUILDING E BUILDING F BUILDING G BUILDING H BUILDING E BUILDING F BUILDING G BUILDING H
CONTRACTOR TEAM INTERVENTION

COMMENTS COMMENTS COMMENTS
STEP DESIGN STEP MAINTAIN
THREE COLLABORATIVELY SIX REGULARLY
“DE-PAVE” PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS

+ Overall FIndings and Feedback: Of the 21 votes recorded downtown Whiteville). Together, “planting strips” and “bulb (the primary arterial road through the Central Business either its own standalone program or as an additional layer
in favor of the three “de-pave” alternatives, there was a clear outs” received 18 votes (85.7%), while the “floating island District), and ii) has also been actively making progress to either Madison Street or stormwater improvements, the
and distinguishable preference for interventions that focused planters” received only 3 votes (14.3%). toward stormwater infrastructure improvements within the “de-pave” initiative is one that can further support Whiteville’s
on green infrastructure enhancements within the public downtown area, the results from the “de-pave” exercise environmental, economic, and social needs.
right-of-way (i.e., along major road arteries) as opposed to As the City: i) has recently completed design and planning present an opportunity to further leverage these investments
privately-held properties (i.e., many of the parking lots in exercises focused on improvements to Madison Street already being made in the Central Business District. Acting as
93
PLANNING
CHAPTER
LINKAGES
04 + CASE STUDIES
Planning linkages and points of potential financial leverage elevations, and a “de-pave” program (as included in the preceding
are present across various scales of impact for the identified focus area recommendations).
projects. The proposals along Mollie’s Branch and within the
Downtown Core afford the potential to either be connected to
each other and/or considered to be a part of existing initiatives
that are already underway at the local- and state-level.
This section of the report illustrates these potential connections

through a “Linkages Plan” and also provides case studies of
each indicated project type: stream restoration, interior retrofits /
95
LINKAGES PLAN
While the recommendations within both focus areas of considered as part of the connecting fabric. Here, challenges
the Whiteville Floodprint report – Mollie’s Branch and the currently exist with non-contiguous parcel ownership
Downtown Core – can progress as independent projects, conditions; however, land uses conforming to post-acquisition
certain planning decisions could allow these efforts to regulations (e.g., 44 CFR Part 80): exist within the Mollie’s Branch
either: i) leverage momentum from each other; or ii) leverage proposal, are required of properties that move through buyout
momentum from existing initiatives. processes (and therefore owned by the City post-acquisition),
While the proposed projects along Mollie’s Branch and in the Downtown PROJECT BENEFITING AREA
+
Core can progress independently, additional planning efforts could MOLLIE’S BRANCH
allow for momentum in one area to be leveraged in the other. CONNECTIVITY RECOMMENDATION
STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS
+ Leveraging Momentum from Each Other. If the two and can be reflected in public rights-of-way conditions within CENTRAL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
+
focus areas can be physically connected, it may allow for “de-pave” program areas (e.g., bioretention areas).
CITY
investments in one area to count toward the financial WEST WHITEVILLE
PARK
+ HALL
+
matching requirements of grant programs in the other. + Leveraging Momentum from Existing Initiatives. Within
Spatially, two pathways for connecting the Mollie’s Branch the Downtown Core, the City has multiple efforts underway COLUMBUS STREET
project area to the Downtown Core could be pursued: that could potentially be enhanced by or considered a part of
the “de-pave” program.
1. Consider streetscape improvements in the public rights-of-
way along Columbus Street and/or Virgil Street as part of an Specifically, conversion of the former Lewis Smith Shopping VIRGIL STREET
expanded project area for Mollie’s Branch and the “De-Pave” Center into a public parkspace, pedestrian-focused
program. Columbus Street, specifically, provides a direct enhancements within the right-of-way along Madison Street,
connection between Whiteville’s Central Business District (CBD) and/or Municipal Drainage District improvements targeted VINELAND
and the existing parking area for West Whiteville Park (adjacent as storm-sewer capacity could all be connected to a “de- +DEPOT
to Mollie’s Branch). Improving pedestrian access and safety by pave” initiative.

filling in gaps in sidewalk coverage (approximately two blocks), 91 PARCELS (NCORR)
installing crosswalk striping and pedestrian crossing beacons, Lastly, North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) has EXISTING BUYOUT ZONE
EET
ST R
and adding vegetative buffers comparable to “de-pave” actively been working with both Columbus County and the
ON
recommendations (e.g., street trees and bioretention areas) for City of Whiteville in managing and administering various
DIS
TOP LAND USE VOTES
MA
(APRIL 2022)
the four (4) blocks in between Madison Street (at City Hall) and mitigation efforts with funding that is either currently available +
the parking area at West Whiteville Park will make this connection or will soon be available as a result of the various disaster (10) INTERIOR ELEVATION RETROFITS
MANAGED NATURE
more robust, and potentially allow investments in one area to declarations that have impacted the county in recent years. WETLANDS RESERVE ELEVATION TARGET AREA E
start building toward matching requirements in the other. The City is encouraged to continue working with NCEM to
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE RETROFITS
specifically align potential State-level funding opportunities +
“DE-PAVE” DISTRICT (CBD)
2. Alternatively, the existing ninety-one (91) parcel buyout zone with properties identified as being suitable for interior retrofit
(in between Mollie’s Branch and the Downtown Core) could be forms of elevation in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
DOWNTOWN PARK SPACE
LEWIS CENTER REDEVELOPMENT (CITY)
97
CASE STUDIES
MOLLIE’S BRANCH: STREAM RESTORATION
Photo: Post-construction condition (Auburn University). Photos: Pre-construction conditions (left); restoration conditions (right) immediately post-construction (Biohabitats).
LITTLE SHADES CREEK (ALABAMA) GOOSE CREEK (NORTH CAROLINA)

Description: The Little Shades Creek project restored 1,900 linear feet of stream Fast Facts: Description: The Goose Creek project restored 1,465 linear feet of stream in downtown Fast Facts:
in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Little Shades Creek is a tributary to Shades Creek in the + Project Initiated: 2009 Durham, North Carolina. Goose Creek is an urbanized watershed that supplies water + Project Initiated: 2005
Cahaba River Basin, with a drainage area of eight square miles. + Construction Complete: 2011 to the Falls Lake reservoir, a major source of drinking water for Raleigh. This stream + Construction Complete: 2009
+ Design: GMC and Jennings restoration project is adjacent to Eastway Elementary School, the Barnes Avenue + Design: Biohabitats
Goals + Objectives: The purpose of the project was to protect water quality and + Construction: North State Community Redevelopment Project, and the City of Durham Longmeadow Park. + Construction: Shamrock Environmental
infrastructure. This was achieved through a variety of means, including: i) controlling Environmental + Funding: North Carolina Ecosystem
erosion and reducing sedimentation by utilizing natural channel design techniques; ii) + Funding: Alabama Department of Goals + Objectives: The purpose of the project was to improve habitat and Enhancement Grant Program (NC EEG)
installing BMPs to remediate runoff from urban sources; and iii) providing educational Environmental Management and an EPA decrease sedimentation within a relatively narrow project corridor. The methods
opportunities regarding non-point source pollution and effective stormwater 319 Grant (Clean Water Act Section of achieving this objective included: eradicating artificial hardening structures,
management techniques. Priorities included reconnecting the floodplain and 319(h) funds). restoring a more natural channel geometry, and restoring a riparian buffer.
excavating narrow floodplain benches in a confined corridor.
Community Benefits: Restoration activities involved constructing a natural,
Community Benefits: Restoration activities involved a 30-to-60-foot wide riparian stable profile for the stream channel, re-establishing the riparian buffer along
buffer, a 0.5 acre stormwater wetland, ten (10) stormwater outfall channels, a the stream band, increasing the prominence of riffles and pools, and improving
sewer crossing, a greenway trail, and educational signage. Community engagement aquatic habitat. The final design included more natural sinuosity, channel features
activities included workshops on construction, planting, and maintenance. Post- such as riffles, runs, pools, and glides, and a two-stage channel to preserve low
construction project monitoring showed that stream erosion was eliminated, the flow capabilities (the stream is a low sediment-supply setting). Post-construction
floodplain and wetlands function as intended, and that vegetation, water quality, and monitoring revealed improved aquatic habitat, and successful vegetation
habitats have improved. establishment and restoration.
99
CASE STUDIES
DOWNTOWN CORE: INTERIOR RETROFITS / ELEVATIONS
Photos: Floodproofed vestibule with elevated primary livable space in Darlington, Wisconsin (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). Image: Example of design guidelines for interior retrofits / elevations (Boston Planning and Development Agency).
DARLINGTON HISTORIC DISTRICT (WISCONSIN) BOSTON DESIGN GUIDELINES (MASSACHUSETTS)

Description: After intense flooding of the adjacent Pecatonica River in 1990 and Fast Facts: Description: In response to major coastal flood challenges spanning a city Fast Facts:
1993, the City of Darlington, Wisconsin adopted a flood mitigation plan which + Project Initiated: 1993 with diverse building typologies, the City of Boston, Massachusetts developed + Project Initiated: 2016
included provisions for the interior elevation of at-risk historic buildings. + Design: Vierbircher the “Coastal Flood Resilience Design Guidelines” as a resource to help property + Design: Boston Planning and
+ Funding: Federal Emergency owners and developers adapt to future climate change conditions. Development Agency
Goals + Objectives: The mitigation plan held the simultaneous goal of reducing Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard + Funding: City of Boston
the flood impact while maintaining the historic downtown character. The plan Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), with Goals + Objectives: The document outlines a suite of flood mitigation strategies
called for the interior elevation of nineteen (19) downtown businesses, all within local match through Wisconsin Division for different building types and conditions. These strategies deploy a range of
Darlington’s Main Street Central Business District listed on the National Registrar of Emergency Management (WEM) and best practices for wet and dry floodproofing, and structural elevation techniques
of Historic Places. Each at-risk business building was renovated with a hardened- Wisconsin Department of Commerce while still remaining specific to Boston’s building stock and surrounding context.
concrete vestibule with stairs leading to a newly elevated first floor. These The guidelines contribute to the overall enhancement of the public realm,
floodable entryways hold water with reinforced concrete walls and removable improve urban sustainability, and connect individual upgrades to larger-scale
aluminum flood shields set into steel stanchions cast into the top step. resilience initiatives.
Community Benefits: The mitigation program funded the first floor Community Benefits: The public-facing document visualizes a wide range of
improvements, although property owners were responsible for building various elevation and floodproofing typologies so that they can be accessible
rehabilitation. In conjunction with the flood mitigation benefits, the property and easily understood by a diverse audience. Furthermore, by embedding these
values of the elevated buildings nearly doubled. The elevations maintained the resilience strategies within an official municipal document, this project provides
historic character of the Darlington downtown, leaving existing windows, doors, a streamlined pathway for owners or developers to pursue these mitigation
and other façade elements untouched. responses in a unified manner consistent with City standards and expectations.
101
CASE STUDIES
DOWNTOWN CORE: “DE-PAVE” PROGRAM
Photo: Conversion of a vacant lot into a stormwater management device (New Orleans Redevelopment Authority). Photo: Landscaped planters cleaning and absorbing stormwater along the street (Kevin Robert Perry / Urban Rain Design).
GENTILLY RESILIENCE DISTRICT (LOUISIANA) SW 12TH AVENUE GREEN STREET PROJECT (OREGON)
Description: The City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Redevelopment Fast Facts: Description: The SW 12th Avenue Green Street project, located in Portland, Oregon, Fast Facts:
Authority (NORA) launched the city’s first ever Resilience District in the Gentilly + Project Initiated: 2014 transforms the pedestrian zone of the street to sustainably manage street stormwater + Construction Complete: 2005
neighborhood (GRD) in 2014. The program provides funding for the design and + Design: Various runoff. This urban green street project converts the previously underutilized landscape + Design: Kevin Robert Perry, Bureau of
installation of a range of small-scale stormwater management interventions that + Construction: Various area between the sidewalk and street curb into a series of landscaped stormwater Environmental Services, City of Portland
help manage flooding around homes and within the neighborhood. Typical project + Maintenance: Private planters designed to capture, slow, cleanse, and infiltrate street runoff. + Construction: City of Portland,
types include: rain gardens, stormwater planter boxes, rain barrels, detention + Funding: Federal Emergency Department of Transportation
basins, planted trees, reductions in impervious surface, and infiltration trenches. Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Goals + Objectives: The design of the SW 12th Avenue Green Street has met three + Maintenance: City of Portland,
Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and important goals: i) it is low-cost in its design and execution (approximately $30,000 Department of Parks & Recreation
Goals + Objectives: The GRD is meant to introduce and study green the U.S. Housing and Urban Development to construct / retrofit); ii) it benefits the environment and embodies community + Funding: City of Portland
infrastructure projects that could be used throughout the city in the future. (HUD) National Disaster Resilience livability; and iii) it provides a model for other jurisdictions in addressing important
These projects are intended to reduce localized flooding, improve public health, Competition (NDRC) national and local stormwater regulations. These stormwater planters are well
increase awareness about stormwater management impacts, improve economic integrated into the urban streetscape and bring natural hydrologic functions back
well-being, and lessen future loss from excess stormwater. into the City.
Community Benefits: The program covers up to $25,000 in design and Community Benefits: Over one-third of Portland’s 2,500 miles of sewer pipes are
construction costs for each eligible household in the Gentilly neighborhood more than 80 years old. Green infrastructure protects the aging sewer system and
(which typically yields ‘no-cost’ projects to the households), with designers and makes it operate more efficiently by keeping stormwater out of sewers, while also:
general contractors creating custom proposals for each property based on enhancing wildlife habitat, improving mental and physical health, increasing property
interests and needs. value, conserving energy, and saving money on more costly pipe infrastructure.
103
APPENDICES
CHAPTER
05 RESOURCES +
105
APPENDIX A: HUD / NCORR DEFINITION OF “MOST IMPACTED APPENDIX B: ECOSYSTEM SERVICE AREAS FOR THE MOLLIE”S
AND DISTRESSED” (MID) COMMUNITIES BRANCH PROJECT AREA
Qualifying for a Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) designation by the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR)
is a result of a combination of three components: i) location; ii) qualities demonstrating that the area is “most impacted;” and iii)
qualities demonstrating the area is “most distressed.”
The location of the area is critical to the MID designation. It must be a sub-county area within a county declared by the President
to be a major disaster area under the Stafford Act. This sub-county area can be a census-designated place, a tribal area, or a
census tract.
The sub-county area must demonstrate that it is “most impacted” by qualifying under at least one of these factors: i) housing;
ii) infrastructure; iii) economic revitalization; and/or iv) environmental degradation. To qualify under the “housing” factor, there
must be damage to either a minimum of 100 homes or there must be serious damage to a minimum of 20 homes. To qualify
under the “infrastructure” factor, there must be damage to permanent infrastructure estimated at $2 million or greater. To
qualify under the “economic revitalization” factor, there must be significant employment loss and extended harm to the local
economy. To qualify under the “environmental degradation” factor, the damage must threaten the long-term recovery of critical
natural resources.
In addition to qualifying as “most impacted,” the area must also demonstrate that it is considered “most distressed” by qualifying
under at least one of these factors: i) low- and moderate-income households; ii) loss of affordable rental housing; iii) it is a
federal target area or economically fragile area; and/or iv) the area has prior documented environmental distress. To qualify
under “low- and moderate-income households,” greater than 50% of the people living in the area must make less than 80%
of the Area Median Income (AMI). To demonstrate that the area qualifies under “loss of affordable rental housing,” there must
be a minimum of 100 renters with less than 50% of the median income. 60% or more of these renters must have a severe
housing problem. To qualify as a federal target area or economically fragile area, the area must be: i) a tribal area; and/or ii)
is a Strong Cities Strong Communities site; and/or iii) the area’s unemployment rate is more than 125% of the national average
unemployment rate. To qualify under “prior documented environmental distress, the area must contain a contaminated property
that has been cleaned, or is undergoing cleanup, or is proposed for cleanup.
Another avenue for qualifying for MID designation by NCORR is by simply being a county that was previously determined by the
US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to be “most impacted.”
107
CITATIONS
AECOM. (2020). “Bladen-Columbus-Robeson Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.” National Association of City Transportation Officials. (2023). “Urban Street Stormwater Guide: Hybrid Bioretention Planter.”
Retrieved from: https://gis.aecomonline.net/irisk2/Documents/Bladen%20Columbus%20Robeson%20Regional%20Plan/ Retrieved from: https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-stormwater-guide/stormwater-elements/green-stormwater-
Support/BCR_Regional_Hazard_Mitigation_Plan_FINAL.pdf elements/hybrid-bioretention-planter/
Auburn University. (2013). “Urban Stream Restoration Case Studies: Lessons Learned.” National Association of City Transportation Officials. (2023). “Urban Street Stormwater Guide: Presettling Zone.”
Retrieved from: https://ssl.acesag.auburn.edu/natural-resources/water-resources/ Retrieved from: https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-stormwater-guide/stormwater-elements/bioretention-design-
documents/13ALUrbanStreamCaseStudies.pdf considerations/presettling-zone/
Biohabitats. (2023). “Goose Creek Stream Restoration.” NC Flood Risk Information System. (2022). “Columbus County.”
Retrieved from: https://www.biohabitats.com/project/goose-creek-stream-restoration/ Retrieved from: https://fris.nc.gov/fris/Index.aspx?FIPS=047&ST=NC&user=General%20Public
Boston Planning & Development Agency. (2019). “Coastal Flood Resilience Design Guidelines.” NC Geodetic Survey. (2022). “NC Geodetic Database.” Retrieved from: https://ncgs.nc.gov/geodeticmonuments/
Retrieved from: http://www.bostonplans.org/getattachment/d1114318-1b95-487c-bc36-682f8594e8b2
NC OneMap. (2022). “North Carolina Parcels.”
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www.coastaldynamicsdesignlab.com

Whiteville Floodprint May 2023

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WHITEVILLE COMMUNITY FLOODPRINT: APRIL 2023

NC State University College of Design Publication

02: INVENTORY + ANALYSIS

03: PROJECT PORTFOLIO + ALTERNATIVES ASSESSMENT

DOWNTOWN CORE: ELEVATION ASSESSMENT & “DE-PAVE” PROGRAM

04: PLANNING LINKAGES + CASE STUDIES

05: APPENDICES + RESOURCES

The City of Whiteville regularly experiences flooding from

Whiteville’s commercial corridor. However, infrastructure DISTRICT

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

MOST IMPACTED AND DISTRESSED (MID) CRITERIA

LOW- AND MODERATE

WHITEVILLE COUNTIES IDENTIFIED AS “MOST IMPACTED AND

“MOST IMPACTED AND DISTRESSED” COMMUNITIES

FOUR KEY STRATEGIES

DOOR, WINDOW + UTILITY

BUILDING + ANALYSIS PLAN PROJECT

Findings from these initial assessments were confirmed and more

VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT: METHODS OVERVIEW

DAMAGES FOR EACH BUILDING

PARCELS WITH VALUED STRUCTURES

TABOR CITY: POP. 4,061 775 PARCELS $

COLUMBUS COUNTY: AT-RISK STRUCTURES

8.2 FT WATER DEPTH: HIGH

FLOOD EXTENTS: INTERSECTING BUILDING CLUSTERS

Locations with concentrated groupings of buildings intersecting the + ASSESSED STRUCTURES: 27

in-depth analysis of expected flood damages.

MOLLIE’S BRANCH: ENLARGEMENT AREA ‘A’

IN FLOODPLAIN + NO DAMAGES 37% 49%

EAST OLIVER STREET

GRIFFITH’S BRANCH: ENLARGEMENT AREA ‘B’

INTERSECTING BLOCK GROUPS

In addition to the low quantity (7%) of buildings projected

WEST COLUMBUS STREET

SOUTH FRANKLIN STREET

EXISTING BUYOUT ZONE

Whiteville’s downtown area hosts a wide array of locally-

owned restaurants and shops, as well as residences. The

restored Vineland Station, originally a railroad depot,

frequently threaten properties, business operations, and

DOWNTOWN + SOULE’S SWAMP: ENLARGEMENT AREA ‘C’ (CONT’D)

“Over two-dozen buildings in the downtown area of Whiteville are CITY $

projected to sustain damages during a modeled 500-year flood event,

which is less severe than Hurricane Florence.” + $

CITY-SCALE LISTENING SESSION

“Engagement activities focused on listening to stakeholder needs,

VINELAND DEPOT This meeting was structured to facilitate conversations

between neighborhood residents, area stakeholders, and

guided feedback. By the end of the workshop, all community

Key Map. Public Engagement Location: Columbus County DREAM Center.

sharing mitigation options that may be available to them.

NEEDS CHRONIC FLOODING: ROADS ALLOWABLE LAND USE PREFERENCES

Mollie’s Branch: Stream Restoration + Expanded Buyout

MOLLIE’S BRANCH: VOLUNTARY BUYOUT ZONE EXPANSION

These one-on-one consultations offered residents within an expanded

+ by NCORR (as the program administrator), regarding: fair

The goals of this event were met, as the majority of

where the expanded buyout zone would be discussed in a

STREAM RESTORATION + INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT #3 (A)