The funds are to help pay for 385 projects total statewide, including 140 construction projects.
News Briefs
NOAA proposes expanding right whale protections
NOAA is asking for public comment on proposed changes that would expand mandatory speed restrictions for vessels to reduce the likelihood of collisions with north Atlantic right whales.
Input sought for Cape Fear River basin management plan
The Division of Water Resources Basin Planning Branch, working with the nonprofit Cape Fear River Assembly, has created a survey to help guide efforts to develop a Cape Fear River Basin water resources management plan.
Rodanthe ‘jug handle’ bridge now open to motorists
After months of delays, the 2.4-mile Rodanthe “jug handle” bridge in Dare County opened to vehicles Thursday.
Mars helicopter engineer to speak on National Aviation Day
Dr. J. “Bob” Balaram, originator of the concept that became NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, served as its chief engineer during its development, test and operations.
Cooper appoints Peter Ledford as clean energy director
Ledford most recently served as general counsel and director of policy at the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association where he has served in various capacities since 2014.
Fisheries Division releases 2021 management plan review
The review released Wednesday summarizes available information, such as long-term trends in catch, biological data and management, through 2021 for North Carolina’s state-managed species.
Sugarloaf Island shoreline project set to begin
Work is set to begin on a project to protect Sugarloaf Island in Morehead City from shoreline erosion and restore habitat.
State to incorporate flood resilience into new buildings
The updated policy is to mitigate risks for state construction, minimize flood damage while considering the effects of sea level rise and climate change, and support the benefits of natural infrastructure in managing flood risk.
Bill Hart, lifelong environmental advocate, died July 20
William “Bill” John Hart, 95, was chairman of the New Hanover Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors and played leadership roles in creating a statewide conservation assistance program and regional stewardship awards.
Swimming advisory posted at Morehead City sound access
State recreational water quality officials Tuesday posted an advisory against swimming at a soundside site in Carteret County, where they found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.
Bridge speed limit lowered to protect purple martins
NCDOT is temporarily lowering the speed limit at dusk and dawn from 55 mph to 20 mph on the Manns Harbor William B. Umstead Bridge.
Secretary’s EJ, Equity Board to meet in-person Aug. 11
The public can listen to the Aug. 11 meeting of the Secretary’s Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board in-person, by phone or online.
Nonprofit leads effort to buy Eagles Island parcel
A conservation group is working to raise $16 million to purchase 83 acres of Eagles Island, across from historic downtown Wilmington.
Video: ‘The Dangers of Digging Holes on the Beach’
The video is part of a public awareness effort on the dangers of digging deep holes on the beach and the risks they pose to public safety.
Carteret OKs rezoning for major development near Peletier
Carteret County commissioners voted to rezone more than 80 acres for a development near Peletier, off N.C. 58, in the western part of the county.