[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6586383,"mediaKeyId","5529045-8b05b9bedf01a60d6edad34f0ad30c4a","parentId",5529045,"title","Dare County pursues permit to keep Rodanthe emergency ferry channel dredgeable; plans to include smaller dredges and Miss Katie access","audioSeconds",225,"startMs",11000000,"endMs",11225000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529045-8b05b9bedf01a60d6edad34f0ad30c4a&start=11000&end=11225","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529045-8b05b9bedf01a60d6edad34f0ad30c4a/thumbnail_11000000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6586383/Dare-County/North-Carolina/Dare-County-pursues-permit-to-keep-Rodanthe-emergency-ferry-channel-dredgeable-plans-to-include-smaller-dredges-and-Miss-Katie-access","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586383-9de9e163db3f30d3a3d352acad117b11/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195623&Signature=MH-SKjwrigm85-979YvirSMBFcuHg05k6JqXfGXzRkbkPlxnNYsWTauBW2I9LfBhCMqdqV2CHOpTiJexPGYSt4i9JxNGMF1HY-kcYgV~XUn1OGoRZKwCiTi2iOHbhWIKsmrsQxCrzbpT~VKAKCG5hx7CgnA6OvbOaOnfbO4-W8AjVUgS-gh8R1HikaImKAPw4FI~lOf~QxCX0dBiSU~LLaDN5AljdknA9QMKV7Fbtctcfrsvp3G7j~xj5zGB7JNt~4~yNqXuCQkc~PxntVKYdm~4AMFLLpeoVzgWfkEo6eqf1uNIeY8konY8HgkecxKzl0-6SU27Qw1u~a5m~s3MtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Dare County","date","2025-08-04T22:56:09.97Z","article","Dare County commissioners voted Aug. 4 to pursue a permitting approach that would let the county maintain the Rodanthe–Stumpy Point emergency ferry channel without waiting for the Corps’ intermittent dredging schedule. The board authorized staff to proceed with a county‑sponsored permit that would allow smaller bucket‑and‑barge dredges (including the local vessel often called the Miss Katy) and to fund initial work to expand disposal options and retain permit flexibility.

Why it matters: The Rodanthe emergency ferry channel is an essential route used to move people, supplies and emergency vehicles when Highway 12 is cut by overwash. In recent years the Army Corps has not been able to mobilize regularly in time to keep the channel open; county leaders said a county‑held permit that expressly allows small dredges would let local contractors or county‑arranged resources reopen the channel faster after overwash or shoaling.

What the board approved: Staff briefed commissioners on Corps constraints and potential options. The Corps said it could modify its environmental assessment (EA) for the channel with a cost share; the Corps’ adjustments alone would not change seasonal restrictions or guarantee timely mobilization. Staff recommended a county‑led permit (Miss Katy/bucket‑and‑barge capable) with selected disposal areas and a 10+2 depth option; cost and scope estimates and a recommended consultant (Coastal Planning & Engineering/other professional services) were presented. The board approved the recommended approach and authorized a budget amendment and consultant contract to pursue the permit and permit‑level design work.

County staff noted difference in costs: a Corps event generally costs much more (six‑figure bucket & barge events) while a Miss Katy operation is substantially cheaper; the county expects permitting will make Miss Katy use feasible when needed. Commissioners and staff said the action aims to reduce reliance on distant Corps assets and to provide a faster, locally executable response in emergencies.

Ending: Staff will finalize the permit application package, complete required environmental documentation, and pursue disposal area agreements so local dredging can be carried out promptly when the emergency ferry route needs clearing. The board approved funding and contract authority to proceed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Dare County Board of Commissioners Meeting: August 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Dare County commissioners voted Aug. 4 to pursue a county‑held permit and consultant support to keep the Rodanthe–Stumpy Point emergency ferry channel dredgeable, including the ability to use smaller local dredges such as the Miss Katy when conditions require.","taxTitle","Dare County, North Carolina","taxId",71389,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6586398,"National Park Service warns petroleum residue resurfaced at Buxton FUD site; Army Corps preparing sampling",714,1426000,2140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529045-8b05b9bedf01a60d6edad34f0ad30c4a&start=1426&end=2140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529045-8b05b9bedf01a60d6edad34f0ad30c4a/thumbnail_1426000.jpg","/articles/6586398/Dare-County/North-Carolina/National-Park-Service-warns-petroleum-residue-resurfaced-at-Buxton-FUD-site-Army-Corps-preparing-sampling","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586398-dd4dcfaeb54d3397059aeb7d2947a668/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195623&Signature=LjcRaPRaTl1PSsjGaag1-dCZ1xHEmwqf9EP2sc3a~ab~0YTJpp4D-talcJXwuNTAEJkOWm5o6xIPlRqOBca~MgtQK20W58~3Xw19IE0IvXp5AK9NgrpWbajQ7YEH5pYDzTBRNwsR-rTnCCl2Ccxm9XijbP2iN66Dc4zaoWOVTf3NAGBdvttxRxqoOjZz3VrJjOKdjomZ9fPQ4XWRRq69r0yCndawDX~NOcu~3-wtlGnWQLYKN44ktCMvhgYAcpSMBY4L~wW6LYjQ7KxVCiWbYYJn0p5heaGR8M-gbxk-kSNKCVg5AbpjlpwLwcsYtYvnAh2JimmX40mk~nlPOu5fww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A National Park Service superintendent updated the Dare County Board of Commissioners on an increase in petroleum odors and exposed contamination at the Buxton formerly used defense site (FUDS) on Aug. 4, saying recent coastal erosion has re‑exposed petroleum‑impacted material and that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — the Corps’ branch charged with FUDS cleanup — is preparing to resume comprehensive sampling and follow‑up remediation.

Why it matters: Buxton FUDS lies on Cape Hatteras National Seashore near the original Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Past cleanup removed large volumes of petroleum‑contaminated soil and groundwater but did not eliminate all contamination; renewed exposure raises short‑term public‑health and near‑shore water quality concerns and prompted renewed engagement by federal, state and local stakeholders.

Superintendent Dave Halleck of Cape Hatteras National Seashore told commissioners the site was used by the Navy beginning in 1956 and later by the U.S. Coast Guard; infrastructure left behind included above‑ground and below‑ground fuel storage and lines that the Army Corps found to have left substantial petroleum contamination. Halleck said earlier Corps efforts removed more than 4,600 cubic yards of contaminated soil, nearly 100,000 gallons of contaminated groundwater and more than 275,000 pounds of concrete, but that comprehensive sampling required to design a final remedy was not completed. He told the board a recent erosion event and change in wave conditions over the summer caused remaining contamination to wash out and reappear on the beach.

Halleck said the Corps has reacted quickly in the past several days and indicated it is preparing to perform the promised comprehensive sampling “over the coming weeks.” He described the site as unusual because it fronts a high‑energy coastline, which complicates excavation and remediation work. Brian Harris, a co‑chair of the site’s Restoration Advisory Board (RAB), told the board that community members on the RAB are meeting independently to coordinate review and that the next public RAB meeting is scheduled for Aug. 25.

County manager and local staff said they will continue to track the Corps’ sampling schedule and coordinate with the Park Service and RAB; commissioners asked that the county be kept informed about temporary public‑access restrictions, monitoring data and any immediate human‑health advisories. Halleck said the Park Service and community RAB will continue to press for more rapid sampling and clearer public updates while the Corps completes technical work.

The county did not take a formal vote on remediation strategy during the Aug. 4 meeting. Commissioners directed staff to continue coordination with the Park Service and the Army Corps and to report sampling results and any recommended county actions back to the board.

Ending: The county’s RAB and the Park Service will continue meetings, with a RAB community session planned for Aug. 25, and the Army Corps has indicated it will resume comprehensive site sampling in the coming weeks. Commissioners asked staff to provide the board with copies of new sampling plans and public‑facing advisories once available.

","A National Park Service superintendent updated the Dare County Board of Commissioners on an increase in petroleum odors and exposed contamination at the Buxton formally used defense site (FUDS) on Aug. 4, saying recent coastal erosion has re‑exposed petroleum‑impacted material and that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to resume comprehensive sampling and follow‑up remediation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6586379,"County approves application for Federal Lands Access Program grant to build Frisco‑Buxton multi‑use pathway",2045,7083000,9128000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529045-8b05b9bedf01a60d6edad34f0ad30c4a&start=7083&end=9128","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529045-8b05b9bedf01a60d6edad34f0ad30c4a/thumbnail_7083000.jpg","/articles/6586379/Dare-County/North-Carolina/County-approves-application-for-Federal-Lands-Access-Program-grant-to-build-FriscoBuxton-multiuse-pathway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586379-e5a461f334565ceeb3cc48299ee0a738/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195623&Signature=huyiKyAlFngZ-CbJrGcSCuEpPTzpDHxdwxwO1-IPXrLOWHTqEmJ6qvY6Fk3mEBdy6wzhsQ0JLA5l3WILC20Zlfga6o~7V5pdUa6pUonxcJAI-MWQjDtQuUn~PfhL-QhQtn4aX2cKAF2~pFP~ernk-4AbnyC0HtRDkPV5muWVMerubZ4d86Q~uYjMLQ9Fj0Bh18Mn4obQ1YAY3aCTg263d-kca3Hvjtcfiyl53MkcX0x2iTbRK1kD5D6xC3hiLzSF4f8mIH7LrMX0sCaVrygnjHhCZNJAVclN-Xv90yGwbCr5Gc5N9jZPL9YoJ9lT4RMlUVzZ~WgVP8lc2T-lXX-H~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dare County commissioners on Aug. 4 authorized the county manager to submit a Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) grant application for the Frisco‑Buxton multi‑use pathway project, a roughly 1.25‑mile concrete off‑road path intended to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along N.C. 12 through the two villages on Hatteras Island.

Why it matters: Frisco and Buxton are two of the last villages on Hatteras Island lacking continuous off‑road pedestrian and bicycle facilities. County and local advocates told the board recent near‑misses and a vehicle‑cyclist crash underscore the safety need for sidewalks or a dedicated multi‑use path. The FLAP program supports projects that improve access to and from federal lands; the proposed segment would run from Billy Mitchell Road (airport access) to the Frisco beach access and include NCDOT right‑of‑way elements.

Funding and match: The project estimated cost was presented at $1.5 million; the FLAP program requires no local match in this application. Project proponents told the board they had already raised approximately $152,000 toward pathway maintenance and local match contingencies, and the project team will seek additional grants and community donations.

Next steps: The board approved submission of the FLAP application and authorized the county manager to sign the required resolution and application materials. If the grant is awarded the county would proceed with design, permitting and construction consistent with federal and NCDOT requirements.

Ending: Supporters said the pathway will improve safety for visitors and residents, particularly at night on stretches of N.C. 12 that lack lighting or sidewalks. The board’s approval allows the county to pursue the FLAP grant with no local match required for the application stage.","The board voted to submit a Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) grant application to build about 1.25 miles of off‑road multi‑use pathway between Billy Mitchell Road (airport access) and the Frisco beach access, a project designed to improve walking and cycling safety on Hatteras Island.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6586389,"Dare County approves $288,320 contract for Buxton groin construction management, shifts funds from beach reserve",172,10814000,10986000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529045-8b05b9bedf01a60d6edad34f0ad30c4a&start=10814&end=10986","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529045-8b05b9bedf01a60d6edad34f0ad30c4a/thumbnail_10814000.jpg","/articles/6586389/Dare-County/North-Carolina/Dare-County-approves-288320-contract-for-Buxton-groin-construction-management-shifts-funds-from-beach-reserve","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586389-a9d1229bed3c8641149a155429c55e72/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195623&Signature=jQoV0~yli-Msz-vJczRJqCTGFSIDzcvEGfhLsbytxge5cDqMjcpXAUi~eLmdq1wm1mqRy1RroH3j9lHtBrzVCZMh1Uj6LsbApVm4Ceo77m2CA0xZMqR9-aOOaT~W4Qe32rJJ5CgiOrTWkUg35lJcLkvQY9C5VpAJehUAM10sN~vSNGu2o00hCj20Y46lHaNprRK28BssPZmQoadhq7NreNJMYiePiYCdpzXuisk5u4WIrIoCynnFrlbDddg~2DXT-yAuFlFdEPb1SUO85uJ1zrj-7jHXKJB~g-3l9y6-z79nezM4Q3Avn381zyMSp5vqpIL6mogMbVo7LFlroSomGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dare County commissioners on Aug. 4 approved a $288,320 budget amendment to shift funds from the county’s beach‑nourishment reserve to cover design and construction management for the Buxton 2026 groin project, and authorized the county manager to execute a professional services contract with Coastal Planning & Engineering (CPE) for that work.

Why it matters: Groin repairs and coastal protection work on Hatteras Island are part of the county’s broader shoreline management and emergency protection effort. The contract covers engineering support for bidding, construction management, and permitting tasks accompanying the planned groin repair and beach‑nourishment project.

What the board approved: County staff asked the board to decrease the reserve fund by $288,320 and increase the fiscal line for design and construction management by the same amount. Commissioners voted to approve the budget amendment and to authorize the county manager to sign the contract. Staff noted they would correct an internal inconsistency in the draft contract language (removing a redundant 7‑day termination clause and using the standard 30‑day termination provision).

Next steps: County staff will finalize the contract language with CPE to reflect the 30‑day termination clause, begin the advertised bid and construction‑management tasks and report schedule and milestones back to the board during the project. Funds will come from the county’s existing beach nourishment reserve balance.

Ending: The contract authorization is intended to speed engineering and construction oversight for work to protect Buxton’s shoreline; staff will return with status updates and any required budget amendments as project milestones are reached.","The board approved a budget amendment moving $288,320 from the beach‑nourishment reserve to fund design and construction management for the Buxton 2026 groin project, and authorized a professional services contract with Coastal Planning & Engineering (CPE) for that amount.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6586393,"Dare County amends Buxton Woods overlay to allow 4 units per acre; commissioners keep SED1 buffer in place",3647,2803000,6450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529045-8b05b9bedf01a60d6edad34f0ad30c4a&start=2803&end=6450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529045-8b05b9bedf01a60d6edad34f0ad30c4a/thumbnail_2803000.jpg","/articles/6586393/Dare-County/North-Carolina/Dare-County-amends-Buxton-Woods-overlay-to-allow-4-units-per-acre-commissioners-keep-SED1-buffer-in-place","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586393-95355cbbf1263ad6b58bac0f6830dc27/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195623&Signature=fDZODb5lfuQpVQaYe2g85VmAyBeSs7TXWHa60yVtqWgZ6ol7dkPo4Lw~0Hu6SiUasShT-CgFbXASB~LYXlmw8JhzjwdhAsJwwkmDpjcX7XostksZRr1kfyOIjKdbZPoB5DMKfkY67SST5aBecWVNwAmUtDHbp92ADD3t0GNkMmVsTJ56CuZoZEvLOcELv9l8BDjO0vCEVRmnqpCmHGa2GuhatsCW-8CWiZsLm1DGu1I1QOTHcjoCBgdIaCLykcgouHZr45WygOgD2Cbs1j-b-nrVTr-097N1GjZbALM1Eb3q6PNE7U2umP8QG4yEgyFjF6vmaTIKKH0hMLCtX-cuZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dare County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Aug. 4 to modify the county’s SED1 special environmental district language for the Buxton Woods zone of influence — increasing the allowable residential density from 3 units per acre to 4 units per acre, and directing staff to index the overlay and update zoning maps — after hours of public comment from conservation groups, residents and technical experts.

Why it matters: Buxton Woods is the largest remaining contiguous maritime forest on Hatteras Island and plays a role in groundwater recharge, coastal stability and wildlife habitat. For more than three decades the zone of influence has limited development intensity near the forest. Residents, local civic groups and environmental lawyers urged the board to retain the overlay; a developer asked that the density restriction be eased to allow conversion of existing space to long‑term rental housing.

What the board heard: Public comment included statements from Allison Flynn of the North Carolina Coastal Federation, Heather Jeanette representing the Buxton Civic Association, Julie Youngman of the Southern Environmental Law Center, and multiple Hatteras Island residents. Commenters emphasized the forest’s ecological and hydrological services, cited the history of the 1988 overlay and urged caution before any rollbacks. The Southern Environmental Law Center and other legal experts provided letters and testimony arguing the overlay was adopted legally and remains enforceable.

Board debate and legal context: Commissioners discussed two competing legal interpretations presented to the board: a county attorney opinion that raised questions about enforceability because the overlay was not indexed in the ordinance table, and external opinions that the overlay was adoptable and enforceable as written. Commissioners also considered a December state statutory change that limits local governments’ ability to impose new down‑zoning restrictions; attorneys told the board the statute’s interaction with retroactive indexing is untested and could carry litigation risk either way. Several commissioners asked for a path that balanced protecting Buxton Woods with avoiding immediate litigation exposure.

Decision and motion: Commissioner Balance moved to amend the SED1 text to permit 4 dwelling units per acre, to index the overlay and to update the county zoning map; Commissioner Ross seconded. After further discussion, the board approved the motion unanimously. County staff were directed to prepare an updated statement of consistency and reasonableness reflecting the modified text and to return with any technical zoning map changes. Commissioners said they would continue stakeholder outreach and consider further refinements, and one commissioner requested a future targeted review of zoning and indexing issues if state law changes.

Ending: The board’s action allows the developer’s near‑term plan to proceed under the new 4‑units‑per‑acre threshold while keeping the SED1 protective overlay in place. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate follow‑up public meetings and report back if state legislative changes alter the county’s down‑zoning authority.

","After a multi‑hour public hearing with conservation groups and residents urging retention of the Buxton Woods zone‑of‑influence, the board voted to modify the SED1 special environmental district to allow a maximum density of 4 dwelling units per acre, index the overlay and update zoning maps, rather than eliminate the overlay entirely.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Dare County pursues permit to keep Rodanthe emergency ferry channel dredgeable; plans to include smaller dredges and Miss Katie access

National Park Service warns petroleum residue resurfaced at Buxton FUD site; Army Corps preparing sampling

County approves application for Federal Lands Access Program grant to build Frisco‑Buxton multi‑use pathway

Dare County approves $288,320 contract for Buxton groin construction management, shifts funds from beach reserve

Dare County amends Buxton Woods overlay to allow 4 units per acre; commissioners keep SED1 buffer in place