Introduction
Swan Quarter is only a few feet above sea level and vulnerable to wind tides from coastal storms that flood much of the area. This project will provide flood protection to the Village of Swan Quarter and the surrounding agricultural area.
Project Location:
• Hyde County, 3rd Congressional District
Federal Funding:
• $5,280,858: When completed, a 17.7 mile long dike will encircle the Village of Swan Quarter and neighboring agricultural land. In all, about 2,400 acres will be protected when this project is completed. More than 2,000 people reside in this area. The North Carolina Department of Commerce has identified Hyde County as one of the State’s most economically distressed counties with over 15 percent living below the poverty level.
Partners
Benefits
The economic impact of repeated flood damages threatens the long term viability of this community. The project will reduce flood damages to 120 homes and businesses, decrease utility and community service disruptions, and protect farmland from being flooded and contaminated by saltwater.
Completed portion of the earthen dike protecting the Village of Swan Quarter. | A floodwall was installed to protect the Village of Swan Quarter to minimize effects on adjacent wetlands.
Funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, this project is part of the Obama Administration’s plans to modernize the nation’s infrastructure, jump-start the economy, and create jobs. NRCS is using Recovery Act dollars to update aging flood control structures, protect and maintain water supplies, improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and restore wetlands. NRCS acquires easements and restores floodplains to safeguard lives and property in areas along streams and rivers that have experienced flooding. |
Economic Opportunities
This project will contribute to the economic growth of the area by providing over $707,000 of annual benefit by reducing damages to residential properties, roads, bridges, and cropland. It will create or save numerous jobs in construction or related to the supply of materials.
Statewide Perspective
As one of the more impoverished areas of the State, this project will help stabilize the economic foundation and governmental infrastructure of not only the Village of Swan Quarter but all of Hyde County.
information provided by NRCS: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/recovery/documents/ARRA%20FactSheets/Watershed%20Operations/Phase1/NC_SwanQuarter.pdf