By Charlotte Smith
Amidst the farming landscapes of Kelly, North Carolina, lies a tale of resilience and restoration – the story of the White Oak Dike. This vital dike, a guardian against flooding, suffered a devastating blow during Hurricane Florence in 2018, with its defenses breached by two major and four minor breaches, inundating the town with flood waters.
A Glimpse into History:
Kelly, which runs along Highway 53 between the Cape Fear River and the Bladen County-Pender County line, has long grappled with flooding risks. Over a century ago, local residents took matters into their own hands, constructing the White Oak Dike to shield their community. Initially a modest project, the dike gradually expanded, reaching its final 14.5-mile stretch in 1961.
The dike’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. Miscommunication and divergent responsibilities plagued its upkeep, particularly from the 1960s onwards. Despite decades of relative stability, the turn of the millennium marked a downward spiral. Inspection reports began to flag significant issues, culminating in the dike’s removal from federal projects due to deficiencies in 2001.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, the rallying cry for the White Oak Dike’s revival grew louder. The Kelly Dike Committee, alongside the Bladen County Board of Commissioners, former County Manager, Greg Martin, and various elected officials, mobilized to address the crisis. Southern Landscaping spearheaded initial repair efforts, which the Kelly Water Dike and Drainage District funded through tax dollars.
Yet, the road to recovery is fraught with challenges. The enormity of repairs, estimated at over $30 million by the Army Corps of Engineers, looms large. However, hope flickers in the form of pledged state funds and ongoing efforts to secure grants, including an application submitted today by the County of Bladen for a two-million-dollar Golden Leaf Grant to help with the project.
Bladen County Board of County Commissioner’s Chairman, Charles Ray Peterson, explained it is hard to receive millions in funds for any project, and millions of dollars are needed for the Dike to be fully repaired. Peterson said, “I would like to thank Greg Martin and the other stakeholders who have been meeting at least every month to push for improvements.” He added, “There is plenty of useful farmland in the Kelly area, and the residents deserve assistance with the dike.”
As the community forges ahead, optimism prevails. The completion of an exhaustive engineering and design study, funded by state allocations, signals a step toward tangible solutions. Eyes are now on potential collaborations with the Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training, underscoring a united resolve to fortify Kelly against future adversities.
Many residents offer kudos to the Kelly Dike Committee, the former County Manager, Greg Martin and the Board of County Commissioners for their continued efforts on the project. The tale of the White Oak Dike is an example of a resilient, determined, and united community in the face of adversity. As stakeholders continue to navigate challenges and seek avenues for support, the community stands firm in its commitment to safeguarding its bountiful land.
Related articles:
https://bladenonline.com/update-on-kelly-dike-hurricane-preparedness/
https://bladenonline.com/bladen-county-commissioner-announces-good-news-for-kelly-dike/
https://bladenonline.com/kelly-dike-repairs-completed-waiting-on-governor-to-approve-budget/
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