Posted on September 8, 2020
The rising cost of rebuilding shorelines has the Town of North Topsail Beach reconsidering its participation a federal project that would pump sand onto the southern 4 miles of the town’s beach strand.
The Town of North Topsail issued a community letter last week with background information on the project, including cost projections, and is accepting public comment ahead of its Thursday meeting, which will be held virtually at 6:30 p.m.
North Topsail Beach Mayor Joann McDermon said that if the board feels like it has enough information after reviewing feedback, it could decide on whether or not to continue participation in the project.
The project would re-nourish the beach with sand and rebuild dunes along a combined 10 miles of shoreline along Topsail Island.
McDermon said the project is one that has been in the works for more than a decade but the most recent cost projections were staggering. The total projected cost, including initial construction and re-nourishment over 50 years, was $350;1 million in 2010 and $909.1 million in 2020.
“The total cost has increased by 260 percent since 2010,” McDermon said.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved the Surf City/North Topsail Beach federal project, which also includes 6 miles of beach in neighboring Surf City, in Fall 2019.
Congress appropriated money for the federal share of the initial construction and re-nourishment would take place approximately every 6 years over the 50-year life of the project.
According to the information from the town, the initial construction cost is $237 million, with the federal government covering 65% of the cost. The remaining cost is shared by the state and local governments.
North Topsail’s share of the initial construction is estimated at $16.6 million and could be $67.2 million to $134.4 million for re-nourishment over the life of the project.
McDermon said financing options for the initial construction are known however there are a lot of unknowns about how re-nourishment can be financed.
Assuming there are no cost increases, it is estimated North Topsail’s annual cost would be around $3 million for the next 50 years, which may not be financially feasible based on current tax base, the town’s information said.
The town has set up a board committee to look at capital needs over the next five years, including projects like new fire station and public safety equipment or other beach projects.
The town is also looking at other funding options and possible change in scope of town’s portion.
McDermon said the town also wants the feedback of residents and property owners and a big reason for the community letter was to be sure they are informed of what the town has been discussing, particular during the coronavirus pandemic and required virtual meetings.
“The whole point of the letter was informational,” McDermon said. “We want people to be aware. We’re acting in good faith.”
Any public comments on the project should be emailed to townclerk@ntbnc.org no later than noon on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Reporter Jannette Pippin can be reached at 910-382-2557 or Jannette.Pippin@JDNews.com.
Source: jdnews
