Agreement reached to dredge Carolina Beach, Lockwoods Folly and New Topsail Inlets | Environment

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WECT) - The US Army Corps of Engineers and North Carolina have come to an agreement on dredging at Carolina Beach, Lockwoods Folly and the New Topsail Inlets, according to Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-NC 7).

A release from the Congressman's office says a memorandum of agreement has been reached to allow the state and local communities to pay the Army Corps to dredge those areas in the Intracoastal Waterway.

The agreement is only a short term fix, according to Carolina Beach Inlet Secretary Robert Schoonmaker. He said there's only enough local money to last for several months.

The Army Corps of Engineers is scheduled to dredge Carolina Beach Inlet in March, but Schoonmaker, along with the local beach towns want an answer for long-term issues.

Congressman McIntyre toured the Carolina Beach Inlet with local leaders from New Hanover County. He told those aboard that federal funding should not be the only consideration. McIntyre suggested working with the state to find a long term solution as well.

"Every way you look at it, it's of economic and public safety benefit to get this dredging done and to get our beaches re-nourished for what that means in terms of our local economy, and our regional and state economy as well,” said McIntyre.

Schoonmaker says McIntyre’s response was vague, but helpful in finding a solution to the problem.

Inlet areas are important to commercial and recreational fisherman and the tourism industry.

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