As a federal COVID-19 aid package gained Senate approval in Washington, N.C. legislators began discussions Wednesday on bills needed to address economic effects of the coronavirus, including impacts on coastal businesses.
News & Features
COVID-19 Forecast Dire; Responses Vary
As COVID-19 cases increase in rapid acceleration and health officials warn the public to take steps, some beach communities up and down the coast are responding differently to the public health threat.
Move On to Take Over River Locks, Dams
The Fayetteville Public Works Commission was expected to submit a letter of intent this month to take ownership of three Cape Fear River locks and dams now owned and managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Project On to Finally Allow Elizabeth II to Sail
The Elizabeth II, a 16th-century representative sailing ship moored at Roanoke Island Festival Park, has been unable to sail for years because of shoaling at the entrance to Manteo Harbor, but a long-delayed dredging project now appears likely.
Officials Take Steps to Curb Virus’ Spread
Officials at the state level and in coastal counties have announced measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus as residents and business owners face increasing anxiety over their health and finances.
Researchers, Officials Discuss Runoff Study
A three-year study of how polluted runoff affects the Rachel Carson Reserve in Beaufort is the inspiration for a plan in the works for a more collaborative effort to address stormwater problems all along the North Carolina coast.
Corps Pulls Sunset Beach Dredge Application
The Army Corps of Engineers has withdrawn Sunset Beach’s permit application for dredging Jinks Creek because the placement area for sand removed from the channel has not been determined.
More Heat, Floods, Storms ‘Virtually Certain’
A report released Wednesday by the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies puts the latest science on global climate change and sea level rise in perspective for North Carolina.
Dorian’s Cost to Ferry Division Tops $4M
Although damage was not as widespread as that from two hurricanes in 2018, NCDOT’s Ferry Division says Hurricane Dorian in 2019 resulted in more than twice the $1.7 million cost of those storms combined.
Coastal Incumbents Survive Challenges
According to the unofficial results from the N.C. Board of Elections for Super Tuesday, state House incumbents representing coastal districts have withstood challenges from within their respective parties.
Updated Red Wolf Recovery Plan Delayed
Although a federal judge ruled in 2018 that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was not abiding by its legal requirement to properly protect red wolves, there’s still no updated recovery plan.
Judge Rules Duck Beach Access Is Public
A judge has ruled in favor of Outer Banks business owner Bob Hovey and his wife Tanya, who have long advocated for public beach access in Duck and who filed a lawsuit arguing that a walkway posted as “private” was in the public trust.
Pender Sand Mine Rezoning Request Delayed
The Pender County Planning Board has tabled its consideration of a controversial rezoning request that was set for Tuesday until April, when the meeting can be held in a space with larger capacity.
CRO Receives 12 State Press Awards
Coastal Review Online received 12 awards, including seven first-place honors, for news coverage published in 2019 during the annual North Carolina Press Association banquet Thursday in Raleigh.
Beaufort Backs Marine Debris Effort
Beaufort recently announced its support of a new, detailed plan for removing and preventing debris such as dock materials and derelict boats in town waters.
School Boards Eye Filtration to Remove PFAS
Schools in Brunswick and New Hanover counties are moving to install water filling stations and reverse osmosis filters to protect students from industrial contaminants found in drinking water.