U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Ocean Isle Beach Renourishment Project
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Project News
Ocean Isle Beach Renourishment
And Storm Damage Reduction Project
July 2000 VOL. IIFederal Funding Included in the House Budget
State Budget Includes Ocean Isle Project FundingMayor Betty Williamson received a call from Congressman Mike McIntyre at 12:44AM June 28 congratulating her and the Town of Ocean Isle Beach on being included in the House of Representatives version of the federal budget which was approved by a bipartisan 407-19 vote. Later that morning, the Mayor spoke with the offices of Senator Jesse Helms and Senator John Edwards. Both expressed their commitment to the project for the Senate version of the federal budget. The prior week, the North Carolina Senate adopted the North Carolina House budget bill, which provided funds for the Ocean Isle Beach project contingent upon the availability of federal funds.
Reactions
Mayor Williamson said, "Words cannot express the happiness we feel for the good news we have received in the past few days. It's the most exciting thing to happen to the town since I've been here. In 1989, town officials requested that the Corps assist the town in developing a long range erosion plan."
When asked if there seemed to be a turning point in the town's efforts she said, "In 1996, Hurricanes Bertha and Fran caused a lot of destruction in Brunswick County. In was then the officials from the Brunswick County Beaches formed the Brunswick Beach Consortium. I think everyone working together and supporting each other's efforts really made a difference. Coupled with their efforts is the outstanding job Congressman Mike McIntyre has done for our project, for Brunswick County and the region as well. It has been a team effort."
When asked about inclusion in the State budget Mayor Williamson indicated that "we are very fortunate to have Rep. David Redwine and Rep. Dewey Hill working on our behalf in the N.C. House and Sen. R.C. Soles in the N.C. Senate promoting our message. We are pleased that the legislature is making a sound investment in maintaining and improving public beaches."What's Next?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, according to project manager Glenn McIntosh, is moving ahead with updating plans and specifications. "We are trying to obtain permission to advertise for construction bids prior to the completion of real estate," McIntosh said. "We will open bids as soon as easement acquisition is completed. This will allow for completion of project construction prior to the turtle nesting season next spring."Town Urges Property Owners to Execute and Return Easement Documents Quickly
"We are at a very crucial point in the process," said Mayor Williamson. "We have cleared all but one funding hurdle for our project. Timing is very important for things to fall into place. I urge the property owners to respond quickly and positively to easement documents which will give the Corps permission to place sand on their property which lies out on the beach strand. We are working with a small window of opportunity which will mean the difference between construction in January of 2001 or a delayed construction in November of 2001."Current Project Status
Easement documents have been mailed to owners of all tracts touched by the project. Any questions or inquiries concerning easements should be directed to Lee Wrenn & Associates, Inc.
