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Dare County approves federal lobbying contract to pursue coastal funding despite one dissent
Summary
The board voted 6–1 to hire a Washington lobbying team to pursue federal and state funding for beach nourishment, Highway 12 and coastal policy issues; opponents raised partisan concerns about one subcontracted lobbyist's political history.
The Dare County Board of Commissioners narrowly approved a contract to retain a federal lobbying firm to advocate for county priorities including coastal funding, Highway 12 stabilization and options for hardened shoreline protection.
County staff presented the proposal as a way to create a consistent presence in Washington, D.C., and to identify federal grants and discretionary programs the county cannot track from home. Supporters argued the firm is experienced, terminable at will, and has both Republican and Democratic contacts. "This is another tool in our toolbox to try to make these things come to fruition," the county manager said.
Opposition: one commissioner objected on political grounds and said he would not support directing county funds to a firm that employed a former Democratic congressman, and then voted no. Commissioners who supported the contract emphasized bipartisan benefit and the practical need to pursue federal dollars for escalating coastal and transportation needs.
Vote and terms: the board approved the contract 6–1. Staff said the agreement is terminable at will and includes performance expectations; the contract will be monitored and may be canceled if it fails to produce results.
Next steps: the county will coordinate the lobbying firm’s first‑month priorities with county staff—primarily pursuing FEMA reimbursement for beach projects, federal grants for coastal resilience, and outreach to the county’s congressional delegation.
The board majority framed the contract as part of a broader push to secure state and federal help for beach nourishment and NC12 resilience; the minority vote underscored political discomfort with the firm’s DC roster.
