Edwards opposes building underwater wall to prevent erosion near beach home

WILMINGTON (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards has come out against building a submerged wall to fight erosion at the private island where his family owns a second home.

Such permanent seawalls and groins are banned in North Carolina, but a proposal before lawmakers would allow one as part of a pilot program. Some residents of Figure Eight Island – where beach erosion is threatening about 20 houses – have offered to pay for the structure if the project is approved.

But a spokeswoman for the Edwards campaign said the former North Carolina senator is not in favor of building the groin, which is like a jetty.

Those in favor of the project say they have significant support from others on the island, located just north of Wrightsville Beach near Wilmington. Approval from lawmakers could come as soon as May.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)