The N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island opened its doors Sept. 9, 1976, and are planning an evening soiree to celebrate 50 years of “inspiring wonder.”
Dare County
Coastal commission tables proposed septic rule amendments
The Coastal Resources Commission, poised last week to consider two rule amendments regarding septic systems on the beach, instead tabled the discussion until October.
CRC seawall science skeptics attempt ‘political stand’: Cahoon
The Coastal Resources Commission Science Panel’s recently presented analysis and recommendations regarding proposed fixes for the Outer Banks’ severe beach erosion were not the messages that commissioners opposed to the state ban on breakwaters and other hard structures on the oceanfront wanted to hear, nor was the chair’s sharp rebuke.
Rainfall that closed NC 12 on Pea Island part of climate trend
A recent a rainstorm that one transportation engineer described as “an extreme circumstance” nearly impossible to plan for surprised even the most seasoned Outer Bankers when it closed N.C. Highway 12, although more weather like this is to be expected.
‘150 years of negative impacts’ to New Jersey coast: Corbett
The longstanding state law banning permanent erosion control structures in an ocean shoreline was based on extensive studies and data documenting their detrimental effects and temporary protection, Dr. Reide Corbett said during a recent talk at Harkers Island.
Second dredge heads to Buxton to help with nourishment
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. headquartered in Houston, Texas, is bringing in a second dredge, the Amelia Island, to join the Liberty Island on the Buxton beach nourishment project.
Buxton FUDS restoration advisory board to meet Thursday
Army Corps of Engineers staff are expected to give an update on current environmental restoration projects at the oceanfront site, and discuss interest in continuing the restoration advisory board.
Officials plan public meetings to address new ferry tolls
The 2026 budget mandates that NCDOT begin collecting tolls for the currently free Currituck-Knotts Island, Bayview-Aurora, Hatteras-Ocracoke and Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach ferries by Jan. 1, 2027.
Dare to host community meeting on recent NC 12 closure
Dare County and N.C. Department of Transportation officials will discuss monitoring procedures and take feedback from the public on ways to enhance communication before, during and after future weather-related closures to portions of N.C. Highway 12 at an Aug. 18 community meeting.
Park Service to close section of Buxton beach for groin repair
The Dare County project to repair the southernmost groin in Buxton is taking place in conjunction with a beach nourishment project in the Hatteras Island village.
Dare seeks input to identify pedestrian improvement needs
Residents, property owners and visitors of Dare County may submit suggestions in an online survey created to identify where crosswalks or other pedestrian improvements are needed in unincorporated areas of the county.
Weather service to offer hurricane preparedness forums
The public discussions include a presentation from a meteorologist on hurricanes and the impacts on eastern North Carolina.
Budget, donors, grants total $31 million for wildlife crossings
Wildlife advocates are hailing the recently approved state budget for including $10 million of a $31 million project to build 11 protected road crossings for wildlife with corresponding fencing along 2.5 miles of U.S. 64 from the east end of East Lake on the Dare County mainland to west of Robertson Landing Road by 2031.
Audit reveals hundreds of potentially contaminated landfills
A state audit released Monday found that more than three-quarters of almost 700 identified landfill sites where municipal solid waste disposal occurred without regulatory oversight have never been investigated by state environmental regulators.
Manns Harbor Bridge repairs to be ‘most complete’ in decades
The harsh marine environment has taken its toll on the nearly 70-year-old William B. Umstead Bridge, and the modern materials but laborious application required are driving up the price tag and lengthening the timeline for the ongoing repairs.
Agencies plod on as audit shows Currituck bridge funding gap
Amid a bad financial outlook and local opposition and concerns, a recent state audit of the long-planned transportation project paints a bleak picture with shortfalls nearly impossible to fill.
