Princeville, North Carolina, the oldest community in the United States founded by formerly enslaved people, has been caught in a cycle of disaster and neglect for decades. Located on the banks of the Tar River, this town of around 1,200 residents has experienced frequent flooding, with two particularly devastating floods in 1999 and 2016.
After Hurricane Matthew submerged Princeville under more than 10 feet of water, the residents faced the difficult decision of whether to rebuild on the same land, accept government buyouts, or relocate the entire town to higher ground. Internal disagreements and lack of funding hindered progress, leading to a gradual exodus of residents and businesses.
Nearly a decade after Hurricane Matthew, Princeville’s future is becoming clearer as it receives significant funding from FEMA to build a new site on higher ground. However, delays in a levee project to protect the original town site have complicated the relocation process as another hurricane season looms.
Following Hurricane Matthew, North Carolina helped Princeville acquire 53 acres of land for a new development. FEMA’s recent allocation of almost $11 million will support building crucial infrastructure for the new town. The completed project will feature a new town center, fire station, government building, subsidized apartments, single-family homes, and businesses.
While FEMA praised Princeville’s resilience in moving to higher ground, many residents and leaders were initially reluctant to leave the historic site prone to flooding. The stalled levee project has further emphasized the necessity of relocation for the town’s survival.
Despite the setbacks, the progress on the new development stands as a bittersweet solution to Princeville’s adaptation to climate change. While offering long-term resilience, the project has also resulted in the permanent displacement of many residents who have moved on to other communities.
As the town navigates through these challenges, the hope for a new beginning on higher ground remains a beacon of change but also a reminder of the difficulties faced by Princeville’s historic community.
