{"id":1421,"date":"2012-03-01T13:37:00","date_gmt":"2012-03-01T18:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/?page_id=1421"},"modified":"2024-08-28T15:33:31","modified_gmt":"2024-08-28T19:33:31","slug":"plymouth-prepares-for-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/plymouth-prepares-for-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Plymouth Prepares for the Future: Flooding Threats in a Changing Climate"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n
Plymouth Mayor Brian Roth has a big window in his office that overlooks the Roanoke River. The river has been the lifeblood of the historic town since its founding in 1787, when the rivers in North Carolina were the main transportation routes for the traditional agricultural and forestry products of the region. Boat traffic on the Roanoke is mostly recreational now, but the river and its resources still are a key amenity to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The seat of Washington County, Plymouth is seven miles from the mouth of Albemarle Sound. “We are extremely fortunate,” Roth explains, “to be located geographically where we are. The Roanoke River is incredibly rich with biodiversity. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission biologists often refer to the lower Roanoke River as the crown jewel of North Carolina rivers. So from an ecological standpoint, you know, it’s just amazing what we have right here.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But sometimes there is too much water. Like many of the other waterfront towns in the region, Plymouth has a flooding problem. Many of the residents say that it has gotten worse in recent decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Much of the sewer system for the town is almost 100 years old and is experiencing problems. Ken Creque, town manager, is often on the receiving end of the calls for help. “The big thing has been standing water. That’s the one thing that people call me up on the phone and complain about \u2014 the water, the water, the water. Why is water coming over my yard?” he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n