Though rainfall has eased drought conditions throughout much of North Carolina, a portion of Brunswick County continues to experience the worst drought in the state.
News Briefs
Officials plan public meetings to address new ferry tolls
The 2026 budget mandates that NCDOT begin collecting tolls for the currently free Currituck-Knotts Island, Bayview-Aurora, Hatteras-Ocracoke and Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach ferries by Jan. 1, 2027.
NOAA seeks input on potential commercial aquaculture areas
NOAA is seeking public input through Sept. 14 on where the agency should consider future aquaculture opportunity areas in U.S. waters.
John Theodorakis lands state record yellowfin grouper
The 45-pound, 9.6-ounce fish caught July 2 about 45 miles offshore of Carolina Beach broke a 2009 record.
DEQ accepting comments on state weatherization plan
N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s State Energy Office is accepting public comments and hosting a public hearing this month on the Weatherization Assistance Program’s Annual State Plan for fiscal 2027.
‘Ask an Advocate’ discussion to focus on coastal policy issues
Ask an Advocate is held quarterly by the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s southeast office and offers residents a chance to ask questions about coastal policy and other issues.
Brunswick water treatment plant upgrades nearly complete
Upgrades and additions to Brunswick County’s Northwest Water Treatment Plant are expected to be by completed by the end of this year.
DEQ’s online application process now open to Title V permits
Businesses required to obtain Title V air quality permits may now apply online through the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s AccessDEQ.
Climate change program to explore solutions at fall workshop
NC State’s KIETS Climate Leaders Program is offering an Oct. 7-8 symposium that is open to the public at no charge on research and innovation addressing climate challenges and seeking viable solutions.
Dare to host community meeting on recent NC 12 closure
Dare County and N.C. Department of Transportation officials will discuss monitoring procedures and take feedback from the public on ways to enhance communication before, during and after future weather-related closures to portions of N.C. Highway 12 at an Aug. 18 community meeting.
Contract awarded to dredge Morehead City Inner Harbor
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District last week awarded a $4.3 million contract to a California-based company to dredge navigation channels within the Morehead City Inner Harbor.
Sea Tow Wrightsville Beach to offer faster river response
The newest addition to Sea Tow Wrightsville Beach’s fleet is expected to cut down on response times along the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear rivers by about one hour.
Public may comment on proposed wildlife rule changes
Proposed changes for the 2027-28 hunting, fishing and game land state regulations, which will be discussed at two public hearings set for later this month, are now open for public comment through Sept. 14.
Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board to meet Wednesday
The North Carolina Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board, which assists, consults and advises the state’s human health and environmental agencies, is scheduled to meet virtually on Wednesday.
Proposed Atlantic bonito bag limit comment period to open
A proposed rule to set a recreational bag limit for Atlantic bonito will go out for public comment beginning Monday.
NOAA recognizes NC Aquariums’ mammal stranding team
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded the 2025 Partner in the Spotlight to the North Carolina Aquariums Marine Mammal Stranding Team.
