The Cooper administration filed Friday a lawsuit contending that the Rules Review Commission is unconstitutional and should have a majority of its members appointed by the executive branch, not the legislative as it is now.
News Briefs
Dare Candidate Forums Set Via Zoom
The Dare County League of Women Voters is partnering with the North Carolina Coastal Federation in sponsoring candidate forums via the Zoom webinar platform for the Dare County commissioners and school board races.
Rodanthe Bridge Virtual Update Sept. 3
State transportation officials will provide updates during a virtual meeting 6 p.m. Thursday on the ongoing Rodanthe “jug handle” bridge project.
Harkers Island Bridge Closes to Boat Traffic
The Harkers Island drawbridge is closed temporarily to boat traffic but vehicles are permitted to cross while NCDOT examines the repairs needed and determines a timeline of when it can reopen to boat traffic.
NC Aquariums Fundraising Race Goes Virtual
The North Carolina Aquariums is holding a virtual Run for the Planet Sept. 12-20 to support the conservation and sustainability efforts of the three North Carolina Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier.
NC Appeals NOAA’s Seismic Testing Decision
Citing risks to the environment and the coastal economy, North Carolina officials have appealed a federal decision to override the state’s objection to a company’s plan to conduct offshore seismic exploration for oil and gas.
DCM Seeks Comments on Resilience Program
The Division of Coastal Management is seeking public comment on the draft North Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Program.
Feedback Sought on Wright Brothers Plan
The National Park Service is requesting public comment on General Management Plan Amendment Environmental Assessment for Wright Brothers National Memorial.
Group Helps Families Elevate Homes
The Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men have been hard at work in the past few weeks helping families on Hatteras Island protect their homes with a Repetitive Loss Reduction Project that is currently in full swing.
Southern Shores to Resume Recycling
Officials in Southern Shores have reached an agreement with the company handling its recyclables that may keep them from going to an incinerator.
Commission OKs Shellfish Lease Changes
The state Marine Fisheries Commission voted last week to institute changes addressing user conflicts associated with shellfish leases.
Carteret Funds Ocracoke Channel Dredging
Carteret and Hyde counties are partnering with the Ferry Division to dredge the ferry channel just outside of Ocracoke’s Silver Lake Harbor.
Recreational Water Quality Rules Hearing Set
The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a hearing via web conference Aug. 26 on proposed amendments and readoption of rules for coastal recreational water quality monitoring.
State, County Officials Work on Isaias Relief
Gov. Roy Cooper has taken steps to to assist Bertie and surrounding counties hit by the tornado during Hurricane Isaias Aug. 4 as officials in Brunswick County, where the storm made landfall, meet with state officials to address damage.
Bacteria Levels High at 2 NC Water Accesses
State recreational water quality officials found bacteria levels in water at accesses in New Hanover and Carteret counties that exceed state and EPA recreational water quality standards.
SQUIRRELS! Art Exhibit Opens Saturday
Airlie Gardens in Wilmington will showcase Aug. 22-Nov. 30 it’s eighth annual art exhibit, SQUIRRELS!, which features 10 oversized, fiberglass squirrel sculptures placed throughout the grounds.