U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre, Chairman of the Congressional Waterways Caucus, announced yesterday that plans are in place to dredge the Shallotte River by the end of the year.
Congressman McIntyre said, “ This is a great victory for the Town of Shallotte and Brunswick County! Dredging the Shallotte River is essential to the wellbeing of our boaters, fishermen and local economy. This is an excellent example of the great things we can accomplish when federal, state and local officials work together to solve a problem !”
Shallotte Mayor Sara McCullough stated, “ We are thrilled that the River will soon receive much-needed dredging! The Shallotte River is a lifeline to our town, and we will continue to work hard to ensure its proper upkeep and navigability. Thanks to all those who made this priority a reality! ”
The dredging will address shoaling and the migration of the channel of the river that has become a threat public safety and the navigability of the waterway. The USACE plans to remove 3,600 cubic yards of beach quality sand from the riverbed and use the material for renourishment of Ocean Isle Beach.
In April, Congressman McIntyre helped to convene a coalition of local, state and federal officials to find a solution to the dangerous shoaling that has occurred at the nexus of the Shallotte River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Participants in the meeting included representatives from the Town of Shallotte, USACE Wilmington District, NC Department of Environmental and Natural Resources and Congressman McIntyre’s staff, among others.
The Town of Shallotte’s Board of Aldermen unanimously approved the proposed project Tuesday night. Before dredging can begin, a Memorandum of Agreement between the USACE, the State of NC and the Town of Shallotte must be finalized. Congressman McIntyre contacted USACE headquarters, requesting that this MOA be expedited and implemented immediately.
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Press Release, September 6, 2013