Uncertainty over federal coronavirus relief and the state’s financial challenges loom large as the legislature resumes its 2020 short session next week with plans to take up another round of pandemic response measures.
New Bills Address Reforms, Virus Response
Recently filed bills in the North Carolina General Assembly include measures to carry out planned changes at state ports and the Department of Environmental Quality, along with COVID-19 relief.
State COVID-19 Response Bills Become Law
New laws in response to the COVID-19 pandemic were signed into law Monday, clearing the way for more than $1.5 billion in aid and shaping an all out response to the virus and its damage to the economy.
COVID-19, Economy Top Legislators’ Agenda
State lawmakers return Tuesday for what is expected to be a brief session to focus on response to the coronavirus and its ongoing damage to the state’s economy, including in tourism-dependent communities.
Legislative Error Wipes Out Bond Program
An apparent error in a bill that became law in 2019 revoked local government authority for a special type of bond financing that’s been used for beach renourishment projects and other types of municipal projects.
Strapped Industry, Towns Plead For Relief
Legislative hearings this week in Raleigh on the impact of the coronavirus featured a litany of losses across all sectors of the economy, but none as quickly or deeply felt than in the areas of food service, hospitality and travel.
U.S. Senate OKs Aid, Legislature Opens Talks
As a federal COVID-19 aid package gained Senate approval in Washington, N.C. legislators began discussions Wednesday on bills needed to address economic effects of the coronavirus, including impacts on coastal businesses.
Poll Shows Strong Interest In Climate Action
A poll by the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters finds broad support in the state for stepped-up efforts to combat climate change and increase the use of renewable energy to prevent the worst public health and economic effects of climate change.
Officials Take Steps to Curb Virus’ Spread
Officials at the state level and in coastal counties have announced measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus as residents and business owners face increasing anxiety over their health and finances.
Dorian’s Cost to Ferry Division Tops $4M
Although damage was not as widespread as that from two hurricanes in 2018, NCDOT’s Ferry Division says Hurricane Dorian in 2019 resulted in more than twice the $1.7 million cost of those storms combined.
Coastal Incumbents Survive Challenges
According to the unofficial results from the N.C. Board of Elections for Super Tuesday, state House incumbents representing coastal districts have withstood challenges from within their respective parties.
School Boards Eye Filtration to Remove PFAS
Schools in Brunswick and New Hanover counties are moving to install water filling stations and reverse osmosis filters to protect students from industrial contaminants found in drinking water.
Beach Projects Help But Choices Lie Ahead
Officials in coastal N.C. communities say beach renourishment is essential to the economy, and federal dollars flow to sand projects in the wake of hurricanes, but priorities may change with rising seas and more storms.
Report Details Increasing Climate Threats
Preliminary findings from an N.C. Institute for Climate Studies report include a range of significant changes affecting the state through 2100, including rising seas, wetter storms and frequent flooding.
State Prioritizes Resiliency, Mitigation in 2019
This year saw another hurricane land a devastating blow to a coast still recovering from past storms, pushing state, local and federal officials to rethink their approach to hurricane preparation and recovery.
New Coastal Districts In Focus As Filing Ends
Voters in the March 3 primaries will see on the ballot changes from the court-ordered redrawing of North Carolina districts and several challenges in the House.
