Outer Banks Receives $12.8 Million for Beach Restoration
Dare County, N.C. – The Federal Administration for Emergency Management (FEMA) has announced that communities in the Outer Banks will be receiving $12,796,568 in the form of disaster relief grants. These funds will go toward beach restoration and the ongoing Hurricane Dorian recovery effort. Kill Devil Hills will receive $3,107,903 and Nags Head will receive $9,688,665.
Hurricane Dorian struck the eastern coast of North Carolina on September 7th, 2019 and caused critical levels of erosion to the Outer Banks' beaches. To be restored to pre-disaster conditions, FEMA has determined that 819,970 cubic yards of sand and 1750 feet of fencing will be needed for these projects alone. Funds from this grant will also go toward replacing 38,128 plants that act as anchors for the beach's dunes.
Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) issued the following statement in response:
"The beaches of the Outer Banks are one of the treasures of North Carolina as they bring in thousands of tourists from across the nation every year. Communities like Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills rely on their shoreline to attract business," said Murphy. "The tourist dollars our beaches bring are the life-blood of the community. They are a resource that needs constant attention. I'm excited to see these beaches get support to reestablish their beauty after some very destructive storms."