Posted on July 11, 2019
North Carolina – Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Holden Beach could join in a collaborative study of beachfront erosion, making use of recently-approved federal funds available in a disaster relief act.
BRUNSWICK COUNTY — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is asking three Brunswick County beach towns to team up in future beach renourishment and dredging efforts.
A proposed partnership between Caswell Beach, Oak Island, and Holden Beach could help share federally-backed study costs for projects that benefit more than one town.
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Signed into law last month, the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act granted the Corps $35 million to study risk-reduction efforts in areas impacted by Hurricanes Florence, Michael, and other storms. An additional $740 million is included in the act, with a fund availability deadline in September 2020.
Under the shared feasibility study, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) would cooperatively investigate beachfront erosion on Oak Island. Holden Beach, Oak Island’s eastern island neighbor, is also considering participating in the joint study. If approved, the study would be 100% funded under the recently-signed act.
If the study determines a beach renourishment or dredging project is “technically feasible, economically justified, and environmentally acceptable,” construction funds could be used to finance future risk-management efforts, according to the USACE.
Holden Beach Commissioners considered nourishment issues at a special meeting Monday. Oak Island Town Council will vote to approve a Letter of Intent at its regular meeting Tuesday.
Send tips and comments to Johanna Ferebee at johanna@localvoicemedia.com
Source: coastalnewstoday.com
