Item:
Title
Approve and Authorize the Manager to Accept the Conveyance of Easements for the Whispering Pines Stream Restoration Project and Execute All Documents to Effectuate These Conveyances Upon Final Approval by the County Attorney’s Office.
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: August 24, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve and authorize the Manager to accept the conveyance of easements for the Whispering Pines Stream Restoration Project and execute all documents to effectuate these conveyances upon final approval by the County Attorney’s Office.
The first set of easement areas are Permanent Drainage Easements and Temporary Construction Easements being granted to the County from Whispering Pines Mobile Park, Inc. across two parcels: REID 158715 and 162519, totaling 2.898 acres for the Permanent Easement Areas. These easements allow for construction, monitoring and future maintenance of improved stream infrastructure that comply with the nitrogen and phosphorous reductions required by the Falls Lake Nutrient Management Rules, and will dramatically reduce flood risk in this residential neighborhood. Compensation to the property owner from the County is $76,150.00. Please see the attached Exhibits and Legal Descriptions for these REID numbers for more information.
The second set of easement areas are Permanent Drainage Easements and Temporary Construction Easements being granted to the County from the City of Durham on REID #158910 containing a total Permanent Easement Area of 6,761 square feet (.155 acres). These easements convey from the City at no cost, and will be used primarily during construction, and may require minor maintenance of plantings once the project is completed.
Total cost for the Whispering Pines Stream Restoration Project is approximately $2.1 million. County Stormwater has received over $1.7 million in grant funding, covering more than 80% of the total cost.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This stream restoration project supports Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment Planning for long-term use of County land, facilities, and equipment.
Resource Persons: Christy Raulli, Senior Real Estate Officer; Ryan D. Eaves P.E., Stormwater and Erosion Control Division Manager; Jay Gibson, P.E., Director, Engineering and Environmental Services; Maurice Jones, Deputy County Manager; Hyrum Hemmingway, Assistant County Attorney
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the Manager to accept the conveyance of easements for the Whispering Pines Stream Restoration Project and execute all documents to effectuate these conveyances upon final approval by the County Attorney’s Office.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________