N.C. Gen. Stat. § 77-1

Where any inland river or stream runs through the county, or is a line of their county, the boards of commissioners of the several counties may appoint commissioners to view such river or stream, and make out a scale of the expense of labor with which the opening and clearing thereof will be attended; and if the same is deemed within the ability of the county, and to be expedient, they may appoint and authorize the commissioners to proceed in the most expeditious manner in opening and clearing the same.