Revised maps for the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System currently awaiting congressional approval remove only a small portion of North Topsail Beach from environmental protections that restrict federal funding that encourages development.
News & Features
State, FEMA approves millions to help flooded homeowners
Dare County has been awarded $4.2 million to elevate homes, one of the many counties to be awarded through the North Carolina Emergency Management and FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program.
Brunswick officials’ worries over offshore wind unresolved
Officials along North Carolina’s southern coast say the federal government has yet to address their concerns over the distance of proposed offshore wind turbines.
House, Senate in budget talks as key differences remain
Both chambers plan to spend $25.7 billion this year and $26.7 billion next year, but a House and Senate conference committee are set to begin working through differences large and small.
Fisheries-related coronavirus relief funding available
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is accepting applications for federal coronavirus pandemic relief for commercial fishers, marine aquaculture operators, seafood dealers and processors and for-hire fishing operators.
Groups challenge Corps’ elimination of dredge window
Coastal advocacy groups filed a legal challenge last week over the Army Corps of Engineers’ decision removing seasonal environmental restrictions on hopper dredging of the state port harbors at Wilmington and Morehead City.
Federation celebrates coastal stewards with Pelican Awards
The North Carolina Coastal Federation celebrated on Saturday about a dozen coastal stewards for their commitment to protect our coast.
House budget boosts resilience, but wetlands plan draws ire
The House budget unveiled Thursday includes almost $2 billion for flood prevention, resiliency and stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, but a provision affecting wetlands protection may conflict with those goals.
Brunswick board to stake out position on offshore turbines
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners is expected Monday to consider a resolution opposing offshore wind turbines less than 24 miles from shore, taking its cue from oceanfront towns.
Federal infrastructure deal could mean billions for state
Although details are yet to be finalized, the deal struck this week on a major federal infrastructure spending plan could mean billions for N.C. transportation, resilience and clean water projects.
Most ships exceed speed limits set to protect whales: report
Advocacy organization Oceana says its analysis of ship speeds from 2017 to 2020 off the East Coast found most vessels exceed speed limits in areas federally designated to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.
Microplastics: The ‘big little problem’ plaguing oceans
Microplastics are a pervasive problem the North Carolina Coastal Federation addressed in a recent online forum with educators, researchers and environmental advocates.
New variants now better detected in wastewater sampling
Researchers with a newly expanded program that analyzes samples from municipal sewage treatment facilities in North Carolina are working with a company to quickly develop tests for the latest COVID-19 variants as they emerge around the world.
After years of cuts, House eyes boost for Land, Water Fund
North Carolina’s Land and Water Fund for conservation and restoration projects is on track for an appropriation at a level not seen in more than a decade.
Solar, storage investments mutually beneficial: report
Investing in solar power along with energy storage capacity can overcome challenges that skeptics cite as renewable energy’s limitations in meeting demand.
NTB won’t join beach nourishment project partnership
North Topsail Beach will not be committing to a joint multi-million-dollar beach nourishment project with Surf City and the Army Corps of Engineers.
