Surf City to receive additional supplemental appropriations via Disaster Relief Act

Surf City to receive additional supplemental appropriations via Disaster Relief Act (2019) for General Reevaluation Report

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wilmington District received 1 million dollars of additional supplemental appropriations via the Disaster Relief Act (DRA) for the General Reevaluation Report (GRR) of the Surf City Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) project.

The Surf City CSRM project aims to mitigate the risks posed by coastal storms and protect the community from potential storm damage. The project involves various measures such as beach nourishment, dune construction and other coastal infrastructure improvements.

With the additional $1 million in funding, the USACE will conduct the GRR specifically for Surf City. This report will reassess the project's feasibility, considering factors such as updated planning criteria, environmental impacts, and cost-benefit analysis. The GRR is expected to be completed within a year.

Upon completion, USACE will submit for approval via a Chiefs Report. This report will outline the project's details, including its scope, cost estimate, and potential benefits. After authorization and approval, the project can move forward into the construction phase.

Previously, the planned CSRM project included Surf City and North Topsail Beach. North Topsail Beach chose to withdrawal from that plan; the GRR and additional authorizations became necessary for Surf City to move forward with the project.

“We have been patient, yet direct in working with not only the USACE but our federal legislators to continue to push for this critical infrastructure project for our community. Persistence is paying off, and we’re thrilled to continue to move in the right direction. Our work is not complete, and we’re dedicated to make all efforts to see this project to fruition. It was and will continue to be the Town’s top priority.” Said Mayor Teresa B. Batts.

This announcement comes off the heels of the Mayor’s recent visit to Washington, D.C. to provide congressional testimony before the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee.

U.S. representative for North Carolina's 7th congressional district Congressman David Rouzer, stated “After months of working closely with the Army Corps of Engineers, I am pleased the necessary funding for the Corps’ evaluation of Surf City’s beach nourishment has been approved by the national office, making the town one step closer to getting their beach and dunes refortified with the help of federal cost-share funding. For long-term certainty of shoreline and property protection, this funding is critical to protecting infrastructure, improving resiliency, maintaining the natural ecosystem, and protecting our local economy.”

This is a great step forward in the process of re-nourishing Surf City’s beaches. Together, the town of Surf City and USACE Wilmington will continue to work diligently towards implementation of this 50-year beach nourishment project.

Current status updates are provided on the Town’s Website: Beach Nourishment - (Coastal Storm Risk Management Project) | Surf City, NC (surfcitync.gov)