WILMINGTON, N.C. -- WILMINGTON, N.C. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Wilmington District, is initiating the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process to evaluate a proposed water supply storage reallocation from the John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir.
Franklin County, North Carolina, the local sponsor, anticipates a shortage of available water supply for the next 50 years. To address this, Franklin County has requested a water supply storage reallocation from the reservoir, which spans Mecklenburg, Charlotte, and Halifax Counties in Virginia, and Granville, Vance, and Warren Counties in North Carolina. Part of this process will be a Public Scoping Meeting.
Public Scoping Meeting Details
USACE invites the public, agencies, and interest groups to attend a scoping meeting to provide input on significant resources and issues of concern regarding the proposed reallocation.
- When: March 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM
- Where: Warren County Armory Civic Center
501 US Hwy 158 Business East, Warrenton, NC 27589
Project Background
Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944 and completed in 1952, the John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir Project was originally designed for flood control and hydropower. The Water Supply Act of 1958 later added water supply as an authorized project purpose.
USACE currently maintains existing water storage agreements at the reservoir with the Kerr Lake Regional Water System, the Dominion-Mecklenburg Power Station, the City of Virginia Beach, and the Virginia Department of Corrections, along with grandfathered rights for the Town of Clarksville and Burlington Industries.
Environmental Assessment (EA) Process
Comments received during this scoping period will be used to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with NEPA requirements. The EA will identify and address potential impacts on socioeconomic, cultural, recreational, and aesthetic resources, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal and state laws.
How to 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
- Deadline: April 24, 2026
For more information regarding the Wilmington District and its missions, please visit www.saw.usace.army.mil.
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