Washington council authorizes NCDEQ grant, selects realignment plan for Wetlands Boardwalk

The Washington City Council on Jan. 10 authorized the mayor to execute NCDEQ Grant Contract No. CW23975 to support Phase II of the Washington Wetlands Boardwalk Reconstruction and selected a revised alignment to keep construction outside a seasonal piling moratorium.

City documents show the grant award is $350,000 with a local match of $250,000 and $1,000 in‑kind. City Manager Jonathan Russell told Council staff recommends breaking the reconstruction into three phases because steadily rising material prices — and sharply higher plumbing and electrical costs — have increased the project estimate.

Council chose Plan A (option 1), a realignment described by staff as a way to move the boardwalk out of the NC piling moratorium window (Feb. 15–Oct.), which would allow work to begin sooner once supplies arrive. The staff cost comparison presented to council listed Plan A (option 1) as $791,160.00 less a $23,760.00 adjustment (displayed in the minutes as a net figure of $767,400 under the chosen option). Council voted to proceed with the option on a motion by Councilmember Bobby E. Roberson, seconded by Councilmember William Pitt.

Russell also said staff intends to reapply for additional CAMA funding in the next cycle if needed to complete later phases and that the quotes did not include increased plumbing and electrical work. The minutes note the city will evaluate phasing and pursue further grant opportunities rather than delaying the entire project.

The authorization both accepts the NCDEQ award and gives the mayor authority to execute the grant contract (No. CW23975). Funding sources and next steps, as recorded in the minutes, are: use the award and local match to begin Phase II under the revised plan, phase subsequent work as needed, and seek additional grant funding in future CAMA cycles.

Council approved the measure by recorded vote.