Nags Head renews dune-management cost-share, allocates $400,000 for 2025–26 season

The Nags Head Board of Commissioners voted Aug. 6 to continue the town's dune-management cost-share program and to allocate $400,000 for the 2025–26 sand-relocation season.

Planning and Development Director Kelly told the board the program helps oceanfront property owners remove sand that threatens structures and walkways and pays up to $3,500 every three years for sand relocation and up to $1,000 for dune-stabilization measures such as fencing or planting sea oats. Kelly said the town reimburses property owners after staff receives invoices and documentation of completed work.

Kelly reviewed recent permit activity, saying the program issued 266 sand-relocation permits in 2022–23, 280 in 2023–24 and about 200 in the most recent season. She told commissioners that eligibility and reimbursement are reviewed against a three‑year cycle and that some exemptions for properties outside nourishment areas may affect counts. "I would request the $400,000 again for this season if you're inclined to do that," Kelly said before making the motion to fund the program.

The board moved and seconded the motion; after a voice vote the allocation was approved. During discussion commissioners and staff noted that the town still includes a not-to-exceed $15,000 allocation for Outer Banks beaches within the $400,000 and that previous calmer winters had reduced permit demand by widening the beach.

What happens next: The town will continue to accept permit applications under the existing cost-share rules, staff will process reimbursements when property owners submit invoices, and the board expects to monitor program uptake and possible outreach to increase participation.

Votes and process: The motion to fund $400,000 was made by Kelly and seconded; the board approved the motion by voice vote. The board did not record individual roll-call tallies in the transcript.