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

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.