John H. Kerr Reservoir Reallocation – Franklin County

Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District is evaluating a proposed water supply reallocation at John H. Kerr Reservoir in Franklin County, North Carolina. This effort is part of ongoing coordination to support regional water supply needs while continuing to balance the reservoir’s authorized purposes, including flood risk management, hydropower, and environmental stewardship.

 

Purpose and Need

The proposed reallocation is intended to address current and future water supply demands in the region. As communities continue to grow, USACE works with local, state, and federal partners to evaluate how existing water resources can be managed to meet those needs while maintaining project operations and downstream impacts.

Public Involvement

USACE is committed to transparency and public engagement throughout this process. A public meeting was recently held to share information about the proposed reallocation and gather feedback from stakeholders and community members. Additional opportunities for public involvement may be announced as the evaluation progresses. We will formally extend the comment period until April 24, 2026 to ensure that residents of all communities have adequate time to provide their input for the study.

Project Status

The reallocation effort is currently in the evaluation phase. USACE is coordinating with partner agencies and reviewing technical, environmental, and operational considerations associated with the proposal. Updates will be posted to this page as new information becomes available.

 

 

Helpful Links

Franklin County Signed Letters of Intent 

Franklin County and USACE Memorandum of Agreement

Other Helpful Links

John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir

Contact Us

Contact Information

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Keith Keeney

Community Planner

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District
📧 Keith.A.Keeney@usace.army.mil
📞 910-251-4070

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a water supply reallocation?
A water supply reallocation is the process of adjusting how storage in a reservoir is used to support water supply needs while maintaining other authorized purposes.

Will this affect lake levels?
Lake operations are carefully managed to balance multiple purposes. Any proposed changes are evaluated to understand potential impacts to water levels and downstream flows.

Is this decision final?
No. The project is currently under evaluation, and input from stakeholders and the public is part of the process.

How do I submit comments?

Public participation is critical to the scoping process. Input must be submitted within 30 days of the formal notice to be effectively addressed in the EA.

  • Email: CESAW-JHKerr-Reallocation-Franklin@usace.army.mil
  • Mail: ATTN: JHK Reallocation PDT, 69 Darlington Ave, Wilmington, NC, 28403
  • Deadline: April 24, 2026