Construction Law

Post-Florence Contracting Opportunities in North Carolina Part 2 featured image

Post-Florence Contracting Opportunities in North Carolina Part 2

Hurricane Florence blasted North Carolina with winds of over 100 miles per hour as the immense storm stretched over 300 miles to cities like Wilmington, which experienced over 30 inches of rain in just three days. The Category 2 hurricane laid waste to many areas of North Carolina. Now the Tar Heel State will move forward with its hurricane recovery assistance program and contractors will be a critical part of the rebuilding process within the community.

In the first section of this two-part article, a construction attorney in Wilmington, NC, discussed the importance of debris removal. In this section, we will focus on reconstruction practices after a hurricane devastates your area.

Flooding

With some areas of North Carolina experiencing nearly a year’s worth of rain in the span of a few days, rampant flooding has caused widespread damage throughout the state. When the storm ends, man-made drainage systems are tasked with removing excess water. A drainage system is a three-tiered system that involves everything from ditches to pumps to levees to even lakes, green spaces, and street grates. When an area experiences flooding, water sources can also be compromised by several toxic elements in the location including fertilizer, pesticides, and gasoline.

After a flood, contractors and engineers must investigate and repair pumps, levees, and piping to ensure that the water management system is operational and unobstructed. Trash and other impediments should be removed and dead vegetation replaced. Testing needs to be conducted ensuring that the soil and air flow is uncontaminated. Water and sewage systems can be steadily restored over time with the right professionals evaluating the area.

Rebuilding

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans architects needed to re-plan nearly half of the city’s residences during the rebuilding process. Currently in North Carolina, wind and water damage has compromised countless homes and structures resulting in an estimated 10,000 residents relocating to the state’s emergency shelters. With many homes devastated, repopulating the city will be achieved gradually through the hard work and dedication of contractors. Irrecoverable homes will be demolished, repairs will steadily be made to damaged homes, and affordable housing options will be implemented in the rebuilding plans.

From creating a comprehensive rebuilding plan to removing extensive debris to mitigating future damage and ensuring the area is better prepared for a natural disaster, contractors will play a key role in creating an improved infrastructure in North Carolina that benefits the community as a whole.

If you would like to speak with a contractor attorney in Wilmington, NC, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.