“It’s like you’re Band-Aiding over an artery,” says Rob Clark, of Cape Fear River Watch, a coauthor of a report that found that cleaning up more than 7,000 tons of litter in North Carolina cost more than $56 million in 2023.
transportation
State to host hearing on mid-Currituck Bridge application
The state Division of Coastal Management has set a public hearing for March 18 on the Coastal Area Management Act application for the proposed Turnpike Authority project.
NC Trails Program announces grants for trail projects
Grants through the state’s Recreational Trails Program support greenways and trails for hikers, bikers, paddlers, equestrians and off-road vehicle operators.
Proposed Wilmington harbor project draft study due in fall
Officials with the Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District expect to release a draft environmental impact study of a proposal to deepen the Wilmington harbor to make way for larger container ships.
Corps to host informational meeting on harbor project
The U.S. Army Corps’ Wilmington District is hosting a meeting this month to update the public on the conditionally authorized harbor project at the Wilmington port.
UNCW Blue Economy Index plunges following inauguration
The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s benchmark that tracks companies earning revenue via ocean resources has performed poorly since Trump returned to office.
NCDOT Ferry Division to begin recruiting with career fairs
The state-run ferry system is hosting its first of five career fairs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, on Ocracoke Island.
Proposed mid-Currituck bridge public hearing Feb. 27
The Division of Water Resources will accept public comment until March 31 on proposed impacts to wetlands associated with the proposed mid-Currituck bridge project.
Forecasters warn: Coastal NC folks should brace for snow
National Weather Service forecasters said Tuesday the expected snowfall accumulations could stick around for some days along the North Carolina coast, with any thawing freezing again at night.
Wildlife Corridor offers curriculum on animal crossings
Available at no charge, the new wildlife crossing curriculum is designed for middle school students, but can be modified to meet any learning level, organizers said.
Sandbag project near Pea Island visitor center begins Friday
Officials said the project near the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge visitor center will mitigate the type of overwash that caused the highway to be closed for a period in mid-November.
State awards $450M deal to build new Alligator River bridge
The contract terms call for the new bridge to open to traffic in fall 2029, with demolition of the current one to begin in early 2030, officials said.
Highway 64 lane closures to be extended westward
The single-lane closures currently on U.S. Highway 64 between Nags Head and Manteo in Dare County will be extended approximately three-quarters of a mile to the west the week of Jan. 3.
Fine day for fishing
Visitors during a recent cloudy day carry fishing poles while strolling along the water’s edge at Cedar Street Park in downtown Beaufort, with the construction site of the 103-room Compass Hotel Beaufort by Margaritaville Resorts on Gallants Channel in the background. Photo: Dylan Ray
Vendor vehicles now need individual ferry pass to Ocracoke
A new law requires vendors who want priority loading to have a priority pass for each vehicle traveling on the North Carolina Department of Transportation ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke Island.
Future U.S. 64 wildlife crossings aim to spare red wolves
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has awarded NCDOT $25 million to construct wildlife crossings that can provide safe passage for the critically endangered species.
