Coastal Policy

  • Swamp No More: New Plan Ahead for River

    No longer classified as a swamp, work is to begin on a new plan to address the Lower Cape Fear River water quality problems that prompted the attempted regulatory end run.

  • CRC to Discuss Challenge to Setback Rules

    The Coastal Resources Commission meets Wednesday in Beaufort and will likely go behind closed doors to discuss a lawsuit over the denial of permits to rebuild an oceanfront house on Seagull Drive in Nags Head.

  • Ports Authority Set to Appeal Permit Denial

    The State Ports Authority will try to persuade the Coastal Resources Commission this week that a proposed expansion project’s economic benefits outweigh any environmental concerns.

  • State Permitting for Marsh Sills Simplified

    N.C. officials this week approved a general permit for a type of shoreline erosion control called marsh sills, easing the application process and putting it on par with that for bulkheads.

  • Nonprofit Outlines Plan for Topsail Projects

    Resource Institute of Winston-Salem, which was granted last year $5 million in state money, is set to lead a task force in prioritizing a list of 23 storm-mitigation projects proposed by the three Topsail Island towns.

  • Surf City Addresses Deck Rules, Stirs Debate

    Surf City town council adopted an ordinance allowing oceanfront property owners of unbuildable lots to build single-level decks no larger than 500 square feet, which is causing debate.

  • Law Tweaks Coastal Barrier Resource Act

    A new law amends the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, which bars federal spending including flood insurance in designated environmentally sensitive areas, but most of North Topsail Beach remains unchanged.

  • Deal Reached on Sunset Beach Dredging

    After about two years of discussions, the Sunset Beach Town Council appears to be heeding environmental concerns and advancing plans to dredge only a portion of Jinks Creek.

  • Flooded Again: Long-Term Fixes Needed

    A recent report found that government buyouts for getting people out of floodplains haven’t worked, partly because residents return or relocate to areas proven vulnerable to flooding.

  • 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.