Southport authorizes design phase for $5 million shoreline stabilization project

The Board of Aldermen authorized task order 6 for Foth Olsen (formerly Olsen Associates) to continue final design and prepare bid documents for phase 2 of Southport’s shoreline stabilization project, which is funded in part by a $5 million grant. The authorization was approved by voice vote.

Consultant Jarvis described the project scope — a rock revetment from near Atlantic Avenue toward the Riverside Motel, with additional revetment along Bay Street, beach reestablishment and offshore breakwaters further down the project area. He said topographic and cultural-resource surveys, easement work and preliminary design are complete and that permit applications for phases 1 and 2 are under state and federal review.

Jarvis noted the city has a funding encumbrance deadline of June 30, 2026, and said construction does not need to be completed by that date but the funding must be obligated (a contract awarded) by then. He estimated a four-month construction duration once awarded and said staff expects to bid the project after permits are secured, with awards expected in spring or late spring 2026.

Board members asked for a spending breakdown of the $5,000,000; staff said consultant/legal/easement work to date has been modest and that major spending will occur during construction. The manager agreed to provide a line-item breakdown. The motion to authorize task order 6 was moved and seconded, clarified by staff, and approved unanimously by voice vote.

Next steps are final design completion, bidding and — pending permits — contract award and construction in 2026.