Surf City beachfill project one step closer

The Town of Surf City (NC) is finally moving forward with the next step in their long-awaited beach nourishment project.

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After reviewing the Validation Report that was submitted in March of this year, the Army Corps is about to authorize a Surf City only project and will now be working on the General Re-evaluation Report (GRR) as their next step.

The General Re-Evaluation Report will allow USACE to redefine the scope of the project and the economics for Surf City given that neighboring town, North Topsail Beach, decaided not to participate.

The goal is to have approval and subsequent authorization as soon as possible on the GRR. Additional next steps prior to initial construction will include the signing of a project partnership agreement between the town and USACE and easement acquisitions as required.

“After a hard-fought battle, we are finally one step closer to seeing our project begin. It certainly pays to be patient and persistent on a project of this magnitude,” said Mayor of Surf City, Doug Medlin.

“We greatly appreciate not only their patience but most importantly, the outstanding partnership we have received from Surf City leadership” commented, COL Benjamin Bennett, Commander of the Wilmington District at USACE. “We are pleased that we have identified a clear path to move forward together on this project. Construction of this beach is one of our top priorities and we look forward to seeing it through to protect lives and property in the area from coastal storms.”

This federal project will significantly increase the amount of sand on Surf City beaches by constructing a new dune that is projected to be 25 foot (ft) wide at an elevation of 15 ft above NGVD 29 (National Geodetic Vertical Datum) and a berm with a crown width of 50 ft and a top elevation of 7 ft above NGVD 29.