The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has extended the public comment period for the review of a federal request to deepen and widen Wilmington Harbor. The new deadline for submitting comments is December 20, 2025. This extension provides additional time for residents and stakeholders to provide input on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s federal consistency determination for the proposed Wilmington Harbor 403 Navigation Project.
A public hearing was held by DCM in Wilmington on November 17, which drew strong participation from local residents. More than 20 people provided in-person comments and about 50 attended the event.
The consistency determination involves an assessment by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that the project aligns with North Carolina’s coastal management policies as required under the Coastal Zone Management Act. DCM will review this determination and decide whether they agree, conditionally agree, or disagree with the Corps’ assessment regarding the proposed changes in Brunswick and New Hanover counties.
According to information from the Corps’ Draft Environmental Impact Statement, if approved, the project would involve deepening and widening certain sections of Wilmington Harbor’s navigation channel to allow larger vessels and improve operational efficiency.
DCM has until January 5, 2026 to make its decision on whether it concurs with or opposes the Corps’ consistency determination.
Members of the public can view more details about this process online. Written comments may be submitted until December 20 by mail to Federal Consistency Coordinator at 400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, NC 28557 or via email at Federalconsistencycomments@deq.nc.gov with “Federal Consistency: USACE Wilmington Harbor 403 Navigation Project” in the subject line. All feedback received will be considered before a final state response is issued. Notice of DCM’s decision will be available upon request.
