The Coastal Resources Commission has given the N.C. Department of Transportation approval to build a turnaround and sandbag structure perpendicular to the shoreline where the existing highway will come to a dead end once the Rodanthe “jug handle” bridge is opened to traffic.
News & Features
Cleanup of fallen house begins; beach near site closed
The owners of the oceanfront house that collapsed in Rodanthe last week have hired a contractor to clean up the site and the miles of Cape Hatteras National Seashore beach, temporarily closed because of the widespread, dangerous debris.
Officials tout economic boom from offshore wind industry
Offshore wind manufacturing could bring an estimated $140 billion and tens of thousands of new jobs to North Carolina by 2035, if steps are taken now, say those who spoke during the first meeting last week of a state Commerce Department task force.
Prospects improve for effort to save wild red wolves in NC
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is ramping back up the endangered red wolf recovery program, which had struggled amid declining political support and increasing cases of wolf shootings, poisonings and vehicle strikes.
Questions remain following offshore wind energy event
Brunswick County officials, residents and interest groups who were initially wary of offshore wind development here said visual representations of turbines presented last week in Southport did little to change their minds.
Project to gauge how well storm drain traps catch litter
Cape Fear River Watch’s 80% Project is employing traps in a handful of stormwater drains in Wilmington and Leland to reduce the amount of litter that reaches the river and, ultimately, the ocean.
Declining, fluctuating spot numbers spur action, research
Commercial harvests of spot have been on the decline for more than 20 years and recreational numbers fluctuate, but a multistate management approach and independent research aim for sustainable stocks.
Final review ahead for wetland rules to fill permitting gap
The state Rules Review Commission is set to consider proposed permanent rules created to correct a gap in North Carolina’s permitting authority over certain federally defined wetlands.
When bridge is complete, part of NC 12 may return to nature
Scientists expect to see dramatic changes after a vulnerable segment of the Outer Banks highway is bypassed later this year and vehicles are rerouted via the nearly completed Rodanthe bridge.
Duck chosen for living shoreline, NC 12 resiliency project
The Outer Banks town was selected for federal funding for its proposed living shoreline and highway resiliency project.
Groups: New Hanover development request ‘sheer folly’
Approval of the requested development ordinance text amendment could clear the way for construction of high-rise condominiums on a flood-prone 8-acre parcel near the Battleship North Carolina that a coalition of six organizations says would destroy habitat and areas of historic and cultural significance.
Bridge will bypass Pea Island, but refuge access to remain
The new “jug handle” bridge bypassing the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is set to open early this year.
Counties, towns offer ways to dispose of natural trees
Now that the holidays are over, numerous counties and towns along the coast are collecting natural Christmas trees to be used as sand fencing, dune restoration or ground into mulch.
Mural to mark UNC Institute of Marine Sciences’ 75 years
A call for artists’ proposals was announced earlier this month for the plan to increase visibility of the University of North Carolina’s Morehead City research facility.
Visitor center at Pea Island Refuge gets new lease on life
Federal officials were on hand Friday for a pandemic-delayed ribbon cutting at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, which was elevated 5 feet and renovated, work that was completed in spring 2020.
Topsail Island towns begin work on new resiliency effort
North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach held their first public meeting Wednesday to begin the process of identifying a coastal resilience project using nature-based solutions and state funding to benefit all three towns.
