Dare County allocates $13.07 million to Nags Head beach nourishment as commissioners warn FEMA funding is uncertain

Dare County commissioners voted unanimously Feb. 12 to allocate $13,067,426 from the county beach nourishment fund to the Nags Head beach nourishment project.

County staff presented a model funded by occupancy taxes, investment earnings and town contributions, and warned the model is under pressure from rising per‑cubic‑yard costs and increased demand for hardened‑structure repairs. Staff said initial FEMA estimates used in earlier planning have increased: their updated bid work pushed the county’s FEMA contribution expectation from roughly $22 million toward about $28 million for the Buxton/Avon effort. If FEMA funding does not materialize, staff said, the Buxton/Avon combined project would have to be re‑scoped and could lose about 1.5 million cubic yards of sand from its original plan.

The county’s permits currently allow about 2,000,000 cubic yards for Buxton and approximately 800,000 cubic yards for Avon when FEMA and county funding are combined. Staff said the model can still support a smaller, potentially viable Buxton project of about 1,300,000 cubic yards without FEMA money, but that the smaller project would be closer to erosion replacement rates and could require earlier follow‑up work.

Commissioners discussed the uncertainty, noting the seasonal deadlines for contractors and the need for a go/no‑go decision as the project window approaches. Staff reported they are coordinating with state and federal partners, pursuing clarity on FEMA funding, and will return with firm bids and recommendations before any final procurement or notice to proceed.

The board’s allocation for Nags Head was approved unanimously.

Next steps: staff will continue seeking FEMA confirmation, refine permit and bid details, and bring the board updated cost and schedule information prior to any contractor notice to proceed.