Leaders from North Carolina’s 20 coastal counties will gather in Wilmington to discuss shared concerns with Gov. Pat McCrory during an Oct. 22 N.C. Coastal Resources Commission meeting.
A panel of advocates and officials will brief the governor on top priorities, including reduced funding and increased federal regulations for coastal projects, dredging policies, and flood and wind insurance.
The issues are outside CRC jurisdiction, so no action will be taken, but chairman Frank Gorham said he initiated the discussion to unify and elevate shared coastal concerns.
“We’ve got some real tough issues. It’s very hard to insure homes. The federal dredging dollars are going down. Some of the regulations coming out of Washington are making it very hard for people to protect their property,” Gorham said.
Instead of communities working through local delegations or sharing concerns individually, Gorham wanted to rally leaders together for a louder voice.
“A bunch of these issues are identical up and down the coast. If we can unify the coastal communities to talk about four or five issues and talk about four or five possible solutions, I think we’ll be more effective,” Gorham said.
More than 100 officials have confirmed attendance. Wrightsville Beach Mayor Bill Blair and town manager Tim Owens plan to attend. Blair and Owens each said they hope the discussion will generate productive conversation about funding opportunities for beach renourishment and inlet dredging.
Layton Bedsole, county shore protection coordinator and panelist, will discuss U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funding agreements for coastal infrastructure maintenance. Bedsole said he looks forward to the opportunity to engage the governor and local leaders.
“The more we can get involved, whenever we can get involved, will be best for the management of our coastal infrastructure and coastal resources,” Bedsole said.
Gorham will also open the discussion about the pros and cons of offshore oil and natural gas exploration.
“The CRC has no position on offshore drilling,” Gorham said. “But the mere possibility of offshore drilling concerns coastal communities. All I’m going to say is, ‘Governor, people are worried about the downside and don’t see the upside. What are you going to do about their concerns?’”
Following the panel, a report on the discussion will be sent to N.C. General Assembly leaders and the governor.
All CRC meetings are open to the public. The discussion will not open for public participation while the governor is in attendance, but comments will be accepted Oct. 23 at 11:30 a.m. and incorporated into the final report.
The panel discussion will take place at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside at 4 p.m.
email [email protected]
