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ongressman Don Davis is not yet the Representative for Oriental. He’s the representative for District 1. Oriental is in District 3.

But if he wins re-election this year, the new Congressional maps will take effect and Oriental will move into his District.

Town Manager Diane Miller and Commissioner Paul Jordan collaborated to bring Congressman Davis to Oriental to try and secure funds for needed repairs on Hodges Street.

In attendance were Mayor Sally Belangia, Commissioners Paul Jordan, Iris Cooper, Lou Ostendorff, Dan McGuire, and Chris Moffat. Also present were Town Manager Diane Miller, Finance Officer Lisa Millington, and Officer Bill Wichrowski.

Congressman Don Davis speaks to Commissioners at Town Hall on Wednesday.

Commission Pleads Case to Stop “Sunny Day Flooding” on Hodges Street

First District Congressman Don Davis stopped by the Oriental Town Hall on Tuesday for a 30-minute presentation on the impact and proposed solution to the North wind-driven flooding that inundates Hodges Street, which Town Manager Diane Miller dubbed “Sunny Day Flooding.”

Representative Davis Wants to Help Communities Navigate Solutions

Congressman Davis is on a whirlwind listening tour of his newly expanded district to help communities navigate difficult situations and prioritize funding requests; Davis said his team had already identified thirteen projects totaling $54 million.

Davis plans to submit his proposals for funding by this Friday, March 13. Due to redrawn districts, Davis picked up seven new counties (including Pamlico) to add to the 19 counties he already represents.

Hodges Street is the Heartbeat of Oriental

Miller began by simply showing Davis images of flooded streets and yards.

Miller noted that Oriental has 44 events each year and over half of the events are centered around Hodges Street, including the annual Boat Show, the New Year’s Eve Dragon Run, and all holiday parades.

In addition to the impact on tourism, Miller highlighted the heavy traffic use required of Hodges Street as a vital access point for the local fishing and shrimping industries.

From left: Commissioner Paul Jordan, Congressman Don Davis, Commissioner Lou Ostendorff.

Past Efforts to Secure Funding

A presentation quickly brought the congressman up to speed on the history of efforts the town has taken to address the wind-driven flooding. Miller outlined previous requests to FEMA after Hurricane Florence and applications to the USDA. Congressman Davis peppered Miller with questions regarding the USDA request as he is the vice ranking member of the House Committee on Agriculture.

Impact Study Provides a Path Forward

Miller cited the Resilience Evaluation and Needs Assessment (RENA) study done with North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) in 2018 as a source for the recommended solutions.

A detailed scope of work to fix Hodges Street includes addressing nuisance flooding and rerouted traffic impact to Water, Factory, Neuse, and Main Streets. Highlights include installing 24-inch elliptical pipe, raising and repaving roads, elevating Hodges Street, building a new seawall and a new town dock, and installing curbing and drainage where required. The estimated cost is approximately $2.8 million.

Residents Requested to Send Impact Letters to Manager Miller

Letters of support for the project from local residents could make all the difference in deciding which projects garner scarce resources. The Town Board urges Oriental residents to send letters to Manager Miller by the end of the day Friday, March 13. Her email is: manager@townoforiental.com

Commissioner Jordan Believes Oriental’s Plan is Strong

Commissioner Jordan said “the application Oriental submitted is very strong.” Jordan continued, “I have a very good feeling about our chances of getting funding.” Commissioner McGuire stated how impressed he was by Miller’s presentation and how fast Miller was able to react and submit the request for funds.

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Story & photos by Laurie Stahlmann.

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Posted Thursday March 12, 2026 by Allison DeWeese