U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre announced today that $9,317,050 in funds have now been made available to renourish Carolina and Kure Beach.
As a part of the federally sponsored Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project in place for the two communities, $4,681,500 will be invested on Carolina Beach and $4,635,550 will be invested on Kure Beach.
Congressman McIntyre successfully advocated for funds for renourishment with the passage of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2012. Sand placement will likely begin in late December or early January.
Congressman McIntyre stated, “ Carolina Beach and Kure Beach are important economic engines for the Cape Fear region that must be preserved and protected. I am pleased that these federal funds will be used to ensure that the coastline is protected to prevent further erosion. It is imperative to the local economy that the beaches are maintained in order for the Cape Fear Coast to remain a premier vacation destination. ”
Congressman McIntyre continued, “ I greatly appreciate the cooperation and partnership of Col. Baker and the Wilmington District Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in their work on these projects.”
As is required by the project design, federal spending will cover 65 percent of the cost of the project and non-federal sponsors will cover 35 percent of the cost of the project.
Congressman McIntyre is the Co-Chairman and founder of the Congressional Waterways Caucus and has long been a supporter of investments to coastal infrastructure and efforts to prevent coastal erosion.
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Press Release, December 4, 2012