House and Senate pass bill to help beaches and marina

SOUTHEASTERN NC (WWAY) – The House of Representatives and U.S. Senate have passed a bill that will have an impact on area beaches and the Southport Marina.

Congressman David Rouzer says they passed legislation known as the Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation, or WIIN Act. This legislation includes language to authorize and make top priority specific U.S. Army Corp of Engineers activities for Wrightsville and Carolina Beaches. Additional language was included to address safety and maintenance concerns at Southport Marina.

“Our ports, beaches and waterways are the lifeline of economic activity and job growth for our coastal communities.  Passing meaningful legislation to support and continue the authorization of funding to address the unique needs we have on the coast is absolutely vital.  As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am very pleased that this bill includes provisions addressing immediate needs at Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Southport Marina.  The passage of the WIIN Act is critical to Southeastern North Carolina and our nation, and I look forward to the President signing this important infrastructure bill into law,” Rouzer said in a statement.

The WIIN Act requires the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the needs of area beaches, including a three-year extension of coastal storm damage reduction funding for Carolina Beach, and requires the Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard to work with state and local officials to establish a no wake zone for recreational vessels on the Intracoastal Waterway at the Southport Marina.

The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.