Pasquotank commissioners agreed Monday to seek state and federal funding for a solution to the persistent flooding problems in the Northeastern Terrace subdivision.

County officials said they would ask state and federal lawmakers for funding help after approximately 25 Northeastern residents attended Monday's commissioners meeting. Many of those in attendance expressed concern that further development near their 25-year-old subdivision on Oak Stump Road will aggravate already severe drainage and flooding problems.

"We need to do something today," said Jim Stone of Kris Drive, who's lived in Northeastern Terrace 25 years. "If it was in your neighborhood, you'd want something done."

Another longtime resident, Garland Anderson of Darian Drive, said development near the subdivision is causing surrounding swamps to fill up with silt, debris and water quicker than ever before.

Anderson said the Summerfield subdivision, which is east of Oak Stump Road, and the new Winslow Memorial Home on U.S. 17 South, are both directing drainage toward Northeastern Terrace. Both projects were approved by city officials, and didn't consider the effects on Northeastern Terrace, he said.

Bill Kopp, president of the 60-member homeowner's association, read a petition being circulated among residents of Northeastern Terrace and Oxford Heights, asking commissioners to "acknowledge our seriousness" and "act as our champion."

"We want to hear that you're committed," Kopp said.

Commissioner Marshall Stevenson said he agrees immediate help is needed, calling the flooding "an urgent situation." He proposed asking state and federal lawmakers to identify and direct funding to Pasquotank, including nearly $1 million in federal flood mitigation funds the city and county are now seeking.

Stevenson and others on the Board of Commissioners believe swamps and streams in the Knobbs Creek watershed aren't draining into the Pasquotank River as they should.

Commissioner Bill Trueblood said although about $500,000 has been spent the past two years clearing drainage ditches, more needs to be done.

But he cautioned against dredging too quickly without first considering possible consequences to residents downstream.

"We cannot afford to go upstream until we go downstream first," Trueblood said. "We have to start at the beginning."

County Attorney Mike Cox said the county's new "tough" stormwater ordinance has been drafted, and should be ready for final approval by early next year. Cox said the ordinance will focus more attention on the fact that construction adds to drainage problems.

That's one reason, said Commissioner Matt Wood, the county has started using an independent engineer — paid by the developer of a project — to review subdivision plans.

Wood said the county's challenge is to protect current homeowners at the same time it's ensuring drainage rules and requirements don't become too time-consuming and costly that they hinder development. The county is doing a lot better job of walking this balance than it once did, he said.

"What we're doing is more stringent than what the state regulations (are) asking us to impose," Wood said.