Carolina Beach plans infrastructure work following PTC 8 rainfall

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Infrastructure repairs are scheduled to begin soon in Carolina Beach following storm-related damage from more than 20 inches of rain that fell during Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight.

According to Councilman Joe Benson, the heavy rainfall overwhelmed parts of the town’s storm water system, revealing cracks, breaks, and blockages in underground pipes—many of which are decades old.

The upcoming repair work includes jet-blasting clogged lines, clearing catch basins, and using cameras to inspect the system for additional damage.

A grant from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality will support the digital mapping of the storm water infrastructure to help keep records up to date and improve long-term maintenance tracking.

“That twenty inches of rain certainly did reveal weaknesses, as it would. It would overwhelm any municipality’s storm water infrastructure. The pumping capacity can’t keep up with that kind of a deluge,” said Councilman Benson.

Benson said the total cost of the storm water project is eligible for FEMA reimbursement up to $450,000. Work is expected to begin within the next few weeks and will be carried out in phases.

Storm water from Carolina Beach is routed to the Cape Fear River and nearby sound.