Ashley E. Robbins Jr.: Solutions to prevent floods

Over decades North Carolina’s rivers, streams and creeks have been filled with silt and trash. As they filled, water flow and capacities have been reduced, which now is causing devastation to lives and costing hundred of millions of dollars to repair.

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers could prevent this flooding by dredging these waterways to add depth for additional capacity and flow. Yes, it will cost. Jobs will be created, and future disasters will be prevented.

When this disaster cost is compared to a estimated cost to fix our waterways, it will be cost justified. Soil removed could be used for berms (as in Princeville) or top soil for farms, etc. This is not rocket science. Our waterways will only get more shallow if not fixed.

This story was originally published October 12, 2016 at 4:29 PM with the headline "Ashley E. Robbins Jr.: Solutions to prevent floods."