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By Erin Smith
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners met on Monday night and heard an update from Steve Dial, Dawn York and Keith Walls regarding the Lock and Dam Fish Passage project.
York is a Coastal Biologist with Dail Cordy and Associates and is working on the Lock and Dam Fish Project.
“Tonight we wanted to give you a brief update on where we are with the fish passage project,” said York.
She explained to the board that all three of the William O. Huske Lock and Dams Numbers 1, 2, and 3, which are located in Bladen County, are all meant to have a comprehensive watershed strategy to improve fish spawning for such species of fish as Striped Bass, River Herring, American Shad and Sturgeon. Those fish species are of economic importance to the area, according to York.
York said they have created the Cape Fear River Action Plan through a partnership which is over 31 different organizations working together to help improve the Cape Fear River. York said the lock and dams were deemed to be the most critical piece of a plan to help improve the spawning.
She said the construction of rock rapid fish passage ways would help to allow fish species to travel upstream while not obstructing navigation of the river.
Lock and Dam No. 1 consists of a modification to the existing fish passage structure. York said Cape Fear River Watch is the lead applicant on this project and they have received a grant through the Marine Fisheries Service.
“With Support from Greg Martin and the Commission, the plans for Lock and Dams No. 2 and 3 is restoring access to migratory fish habitat and we have multiple resources we have been able to acquire over the last several years with your support,” said York.
She said all totaled, $20 million in grants have been acquired for the projects for all three lock and dams in Bladen County. She said two-thirds of the funding is going to cover the costs for design and engineering work, biological monitoring and permitting costs. The remainder of the funds will be utilized for construction.
Frank Yelverton with Cape Fear River Watch also joined York for the presentation. He told the board the fish passage for Lock and Dam No. 1 was completed in 2012 and has been effective in allowing fish to pass upstream.
“Before (construction of the fish passage) about 90 percent of American Shad were spawning below Lock and Dam No. 1. Now, about 90 percent are spawning below Lock and Dam No. 2,” said Yelverton.
He said Striped Bass were not doing as well so modifications to the fish passage are being studied. Striped Bass tend to be “schooling fish” which means they swim in groups. Modifications to the fish passage to enlarge the openings would allow for a school or group of fish to pass upstream.
Yelverton said currently there are no fish passages at Lock and Dams 2 and 3 to allow fish to pass upstream to historic spawning grounds.
“We are trying to get these (fish) populations back up to historic levels they were at the turn of the century. The estimated populations are ten percent of what they were historically,” said Yelverton.
He said of all the various alternatives being studied, the most likely solution for William O Huske Lock and Dams 2 and 3 are the installation of rock rapids similar to those already installed at William O Huske Lock and Dam No. 1.
Yelverton said one difference would be the proposed fish passages would have wider gaps and deeper pools for the fish to swim through.
He also told the Board the Corps of Engineers is preparing to undertake a disposition study on the dams on the Cape Fear River. Yelverton said the purpose of the disposition study is to determine what should be the fate of the Lock and Dams along the Cape Fear River. He pointed out the lock and dam system was once used for river navigation which is no longer an issue.
Yelverton said the disposition study will take about 18 months to complete. He said the Corps of Engineers is looking at all alternatives, including complete dam removal. Yelverton said a complete dam removal is not likely as it could potentially cause problems with water intakes upstream.
Yelverton said they will keep the board apprised of the progress of the disposition study and the fish passage projects.
In other business:
* The Board heard from County Manager Greg Martin regarding a grant opportunity from the UNC School of Government and Blue Cross and Blue Shield for $20,000. He said 10 counties will be selected for funding to help with combating the opioid epidemic. Martin said the application is due on April 6.
* The board tabled appointments to the White Lake Planning and Zoning (ETJ) and the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.
* The Board recognized Bernadine Davis and Rita Lassiter for their retirement. Both were effective March 1.
* The Board awarded a contract for the installation of four generators at four strategic sites in Bladen County to Axel McPherson of Whiteville for a cost of $287,026.50.
* The Board also heard an update from Martin regarding Opportunity Zones. He explained the Opportunity Zones are reform that was created by the new Tax Reform bill adopted by Congress in 2017. Martin said the county is working with the Lumber River Council of Government on the matter. He said each county has the opportunity to submit one census tract per county and Governor Roy Cooper will also select 150 additional Census tracts.
Martin explained Bladen County consists of six Census tracts so the county will submit one Census data tract and suggest a second Census data tract for the Governor to consider.
Martin said the most likely Census tract to submit is the one which consists of the NC 87 corridor from Dublin to the Cumberland County line. He said the reason for that selection is that is the Census tract with the greatest amount of economic reinvestment made by business and industry.
Martin said the Opportunity Zones will yield federal incentives for those businesses or industries which choose to invest in those areas.
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