N.C. Gen. Stat. § 77-5

Upon the confirmation of the report made by the commissioners, and notice thereof given to the owner or keeper of said mill, it shall be his duty forthwith to construct, and thereafter to keep and maintain, at his expense, such gate and slope, for the use of persons floating logs and other timber as aforesaid, so long as said dam shall be kept up, or until otherwise ordered by the board of county commissioners.