Among other coastal provisions, Republicans’ state budget proposal released Monday commits $15 million for a dredge for Oregon Inlet and $5 million to the N.C. Policy Collaboratory for GenX research.
News & Features
Ocracoke Express Ferry Expected This Fall
The Ocracoke Express Ferry is expected to be delivered later this fall, when the ferry will undergo sea trials, and be ready for operation in spring 2019.
Budget Process Underway, Draws Criticism
The process for this year’s state budget, which includes key items for the coast such as beach renourishment and a private-public partnership to purchase a dredge for Oregon Inlet, is facing criticism.
Dare County’s Beach Restoration Recognized
Dare County has been recognized by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association for having one of the country’s best restored beaches.
Oyster Restoration Partners Detail Progress
Groups and agencies that have joined in a public-private partnership to restore and expand oyster habitat in North Carolina hosted Monday a behind-the-scenes tour in Morehead City.
New GenX Bills Prompt Enforcement Worries
GenX-related bills filed late last week in the N.C. General Assembly quickly drew criticism from environmental groups and a former regulator that they could create unintended consequences in the enforcement of existing pollution laws.
Shad in the Classroom Boosts Recovery Effort
Students across the state are raising and releasing American shad as part of the Shad in the Classroom program, giving them a chance to learn about and participate in the recovery work of the American shad.
Marine Debris Program Inspires Students
Carteret County fourth- and fifth-graders learned about marine debris during the interdisciplinary Duke University Marine Lab Community Science program, including Tiller School students who shared last week their research and art.
River Advocates Celebrate Dam Removal
The removal of a longstanding dam on the Neuse River in Raleigh is already having positive effects, advocates say, and a celebration set for Saturday offers a chance to see the changes firsthand.
Gator Sparks Interest As State OKs Hunting
A big alligator in a neighborhood canal in Kitty Hawk last week prompted headlines and concern but the state’s new management strategy of “population reduction hunts” has yet to see any permit seekers.
Utility Board Set to Consider Filtering Options
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority directors are set to review the results of a study of options for filtering GenX and other contaminants found in the Wilmington area’s drinking water.
Panel to Advise DEQ on Environmental Justice
An advisory board introduced Wednesday at DEQ headquarters in Raleigh is tasked with guiding the agency’s decision making to ensure disadvantaged and minority populations’ interests are considered.
Beaufort Hears Public Concerns Over Harbor
Beaufort and the North Carolina Coastal Reserve held last week a Beaufort Harbor management public meeting to better understand concerns residents have about Taylor’s Creek.
Prospects Dim for Endangered Red Wolves
Conditions in northeastern North Carolina are unfavorable for sustaining the dwindling population of red wolves, according to an assessment released last week, but wildlife officials say they’re not giving up on recovery.
Utility, UNCW Stand By Contaminant Reports
Republicans in the House Committee on N.C. River Quality blasted them as ‘political,’ but UNC Wilmington and Cape Fear Public Utility Authority officials say their study reports on GenX and other contaminants in the water supply are accurate.
What Will GenX Health Studies Reveal?
Researchers hope to say this summer whether GenX and other compounds found in New Hanover County residents’ tap water are also in their bodies and what that means for their health.
