Surf City renourishment project remains in the works after setbacks

SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — The issue of beach erosion has become a big concern for residents of Surf City, but town officials say they have been aware of the issue for well over a decade. 

Nearly three years ago, Surf City was slated to undergo a renourishment project with the Army Corps of Engineers. However, the project was scrapped when North Topsail Beach withdrew from the joint project in July 2021. 

Now, it likely won’t be until December 2025 that any new sand is added to the beach, 

“We had to build the entire project as it was authorized,” USACE Civil Works Project Manager Kent Tranter explained. “So, that meant we couldn’t then cut out the North Topsail Beach portion and just do the Surf City, we had to build the entire thing.” 

Currently, the project is undergoing a Genral Reevaluation Report, during which time the Corps will prepare report on the current state of the beach, and how to best tackle the renourishment. 

“The feasibility report was completed in 2010, the conditions of the beach have changed, there’s more development there,” Tranter added. “You know, things have changed since then.” 

Despite occasional natural addition of sand to the dunes, town officials argue that the renourishment project remains the more secure option. 

“There is certainly no doubt that Surf City is striving to put the most robust renourishment project on our beaches,” Surf City Town Manager Kyle Breuer said.

(Courtesy town of Surf City)

Mayor Teresa Batts highlighted the town’s efforts in securing funding for the project. With a previous $0.10 tax increase and revenue from parking, the town’s portion of funding is already secured. 

“A lot of the leg work is already done, and we’re just waiting to sign the dotted line to sign that PPA agreement with the Army Corps so we can start pumping sand,” Mayor Batts said.