Officials continue to look for funding for bulkhead repairs

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo and Congressman David Rouzer met Tuesday with federal officials to talk about getting money for bulkhead repairs in downtown Wilmington.

The failing bulkhead, owned by the Coast Guard, is next to Riverfront Park.

Following Tropical Storm Hermine last month, a portion of the riverfront edge near the Riverwalk collapsed.

The area has already had other issues and has been slated for repair when federal funding becomes available.

“Our infrastructure needs are critical,” Rouzer said. “They’re critical for our nation security. They’re critical for commerce. They’re critical for the local economy here.”

This week the Coast Guard will begin work on a short-term fix that will include the removal of several small trees in the area.

A long-term fix is required before the city can complete planned improvements to Riverfront Park.