The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management has awarded over $2.25 million in grants to fund 10 projects aimed at improving public access to the state’s beaches and coastal waterways.
These grants are part of the Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Grant Program, which helps local governments in North Carolina’s 20 coastal counties acquire land for public access and construct or enhance facilities such as dune crossovers, fishing piers, parking areas, restrooms, and kayak launches.
“These state investments will both ensure safe and expanded public access to our coastlines and strengthen the resilience of our communities by supporting infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “As we face increasingly severe storms, these projects will play a key role in safeguarding both public safety and the long-term health of our coastal environments.”
The list of grant recipients includes:
– Atlantic Beach: Improvements at New Bern Street Public Access.
– Beaufort: Creation of an access site at Ann Street Park with amenities including an observation deck and picnic area.
– Belhaven: Expansion of Belhaven Harbor Park with additional land acquisition.
– Bertie County: Enhancement of Tall Glass of Water Beach Access with ADA-accessible paths.
– Cedar Point: Addition of ADA-accessible bathrooms at Boathouse Creek Park.
– Nags Head: Replacement of existing facilities at Hargrove Street Public Beach Access.
– New Hanover County: Installation of a new kayak launch and accessible features at Trails End Waterfront Access.
– Ocean Isle Beach: Replacement and widening of Shallotte Blvd Beach Access to meet ADA standards.
– Swansboro: Reconstruction of Main Street Dock along the downtown waterfront area.
– Vandemere: Construction of an ADA-compliant fishing pier providing river access.
The General Assembly established the Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program in 1981 through amendments to the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) to address concerns about declining public access. In 1983, it was expanded to include estuarine areas. The program allocates 5% from the state Parks and Recreation Trust Fund annually for matching grants. Since its inception, it has supported more than 528 projects that enhance recreational opportunities on North Carolina’s coast.
Further information is available on the Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access website.
