Environmental advocates have filed for an injunction to block the Trump administration’s overhaul of National Environmental Policy Act rules, just as the NEPA process begins for Wilmington projects.
Transportation
Officials Seek Broader Approval for Dredging
Dare County and state officials seek flexibility in being able to dredge persistently shoaled channels that are affecting transportation to and from Ocracoke Island.
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.
‘Jug-Handle’ Bridge Work An Intricate Dance
Construction of the “jug-handle” bridge around Pea Island isn’t an ordinary bridge project, especially with the environmentally sensitive surroundings and other construction challenges.
NC 12, Channel Shoaling Concerns Escalate
Discussions during a recent meeting of the Dare County Waterways Commission indicate that persistent threats to the Ocracoke highway and north-end ferry dock have become more urgent.
Study Sought for Third Bogue Banks Bridge
Officials in Carteret County have asked the N.C. Department of Transportation to do an express design for a proposed third bridge to Bogue Banks.
NOAA to Phase Out Paper Nautical Charts
Paper nautical charts are popular as wall art but their usefulness to mariners has waned, and NOAA plans to transition from hard copy to digital maps of the nation’s waterways.
Port Officials Review Expansion Study Draft
Ports officials last week downplayed environmental challenges identified in the first draft of a feasibility study for the proposed deepening and widening of the Wilmington shipping channel.
Kirkman: Port Study Could Avert Controversy
Carteret County’s economic development director says a recent study of what it would take to make the state port’s Radio Island property ready for industry can help the ports authority avoid past mistakes.
Despite Objections, CRC OKs Port Expansion
The Coastal Resources Commission granted a variance allowing the Wilmington port to expand its turning basin but bristled over ports officials’ handling of the request and lack of transparency.
NCDOT to Talk Cape Fear Crossing Options
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is holding Monday and Tuesday open houses and public hearings on the proposed Cape Fear Crossing project officials say will ease traffic congestion on Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
Groups Set to Challenge Mid-Currituck Bridge
Opponents of the proposed Mid-Currituck Bridge have asked the N.C. Department of Transportation for additional environmental review and promise to take legal action if refused.
Dare County Agrees to Lead Dredge Project
Dare County’s recent decision to handle the dredging of Manteo channel, which the county manager said is “good for everybody,” will allow the state-owned Elizabeth II currently stuck at its Roanoke Island Festival Park mooring to sail.
Transportation Costs Could Total $266 Million
N.C. transportation officials presented damage reports, repair-time estimates and cost projections to a legislative committee Wednesday, framing Florence as North Carolina’s costliest storm.
Amid Evacuations, NC 12 Open … For Now
As thousands depart North Carolina’s Outer Banks this week in advance of Hurricane Florence, state transportation officials are busy working to keep N.C. 12 open to traffic.
Wilmington Port Looks to Lure Bigger Ships
The N.C. Ports Authority is seeking public input on plans to better accommodate larger and more fully loaded ships at Wilmington, including ideas that worry environmental groups and others.
