Posted on January 21, 2026
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) Division of Coastal Management has paused its review of a proposed federal project to deepen Wilmington Harbor.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requested the pause in coordination with the North Carolina State Ports Authority, the project’s non-federal sponsor. The Division of Coastal Management granted the request.
According to NCDEQ, the pause allows the USACE time to address issues raised by the state agency and the public before the review continues. Officials have not established a timeline for when the pause may end.
Following the delay notice, the Wilmington City Council will not vote on a resolution tonight regarding the harbor project. The resolution would have requested additional review of the dredging efforts.
City staff raised concerns over economic competitiveness, flooding, PFAs, and the proposed 24% contingency, among other things. It is unclear at this time if the city will revisit the issue.
