The 60-day comment period ends Jan. 2, 2024, on proposed rules for three state-run grant programs that fund aquatic weed management, dredge projects and coastal storm damage mitigation and recovery.
The proposed rules for the Aquatic Weed Control Fund, Coastal Storm Mitigation Fund and the Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging Fund describe the application process, fund allocation and other details.
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The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources announced Monday the 60-day comment period on the proposed rules.
Division officials have coordinated an in-person public hearing to begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the DEQ Washington Regional Office, Hearing Room A103, 943 Washington Square Mall, Washington.
The Aquatic Weed Control Fund provides grants for local governments and other entities seeking to control, eradicate or regulate noxious aquatic to preserve human health, safety and beneficial uses of state waters. Other proposed rules for this fund includes a means to allow the Division of Water Resources director, or their designee, and the North Carolina Weed Control Council, to allocate funds for rapid response.
The Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging Fund is for dredging projects by local units of government that are designed to keep channels in state waters navigable and safe. In addition, the proposed rules remove exemption language, and there’s an explanation for how local governments can apply for grants for projects in nonfederally authorized channels.
The Coastal Storm Mitigation Fund provides grants to local governments for costs associated with beach nourishment, artificial dunes or other projects to mitigate or remediate coastal storm damage to ocean beaches and dune systems of the state.
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The proposed rules are available online. Copies of the proposed rules can also be obtained by calling 919-707-3607 or from the Division of Water Resources, Water Planning Section, Archdale Building, 512 N. Salisbury St., in Raleigh.
Written comments can be submitted electronically to Kevin.hart@deq.nc.gov or by mail to Kevin Hart, Division of Water Resources, 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617.
To be included in the hearing record, all comments must be postmarked or received electronically by the division by 5 p.m. Jan. 2.
