Dare County authorizes $13.07 million allocation to Nags Head beach nourishment; FEMA funding remains pivotal

Dare County commissioners authorized a county allocation of $13,067,426 on Feb. 12 for the Nags Head beach nourishment project, while noting that the size and viability of the work depend heavily on potential FEMA contributions.

County staff and consultants reviewed the beach-nourishment fund model and explained that the county's occupancy-tax-funded beach fund, investment earnings and town cost shares together support nourishment work. The current project permit allows about 2,000,000 cubic yards for Buxton and about 800,000 cubic yards for Avon when FEMA assistance is included. Staff said recent bid results and updated estimates increased the FEMA portion from earlier planning figures (from roughly $22M to nearer $28M), making federal support important to sustain the larger projects proposed.

If FEMA aid is not available, staff said the county model can be adjusted to proceed with a smaller but potentially viable Buxton placement of roughly 1.3 million cubic yards and a reduced Avon placement; however, reduced volumes would bring the project closer to the minimum required to achieve a multi-year useful life, and erosion-rate variability could shorten longevity.

Commissioner Ross moved to allocate $13,067,426 to the Nags Head project; Commissioner Balance seconded. The board voted unanimously. Staff said they will continue to pursue FEMA confirmation and will return with firm numbers and schedules before instruction to mobilize contractors.

The board emphasized that the county does not yet have final FEMA commitments and that staff will monitor erosion and permit timing before authorizing contractor mobilization.