Virtual meeting on proposed Avon beach nourishment project set for Feb. 24

The Dare County Board of Commissioners will hold a virtual public meeting to discuss the proposed Avon beach nourishment project at 6 p.m. on Feb. 24, 2021.

During the meeting, a presentation of the Avon Beach Nourishment Project will be provided, and the Board will give affected property owners an opportunity to share their input.

The meeting will be held virtually, and available for viewing online at www.youtube.com/darecounty. The video will also be available for viewing after the meeting for folks who are unable to attend live.

An overview of the proposed project from the county, (as well as a synopsis of the recurring issues that led to the proposal of a beach nourishment project for Avon), is below, and can also be found online at https://www.darenc.com/government/avon-beach-nourishment.

For the last several years, the rate of erosion along the beaches of Avon has accelerated dramatically. The sand dunes along much of the beach have been washed away, allowing the ocean to wash over and flood Highway 12, as well as the properties on the ocean side of Highway 12. This occurs not only in named storms but also in common nor’easters and hard blows. 
The overwash has impeded, and at times prevented, first responders from responding to emergencies; sanitation workers from picking up trash; the citizens of Avon from performing normal daily tasks, such as attending doctor appointments,  buying groceries, attending community events, and the list goes on. In addition to the safety issues, there has been flood damage to homes and businesses, and it has negatively affected our tourism economy. 

About two years ago, a number of people from Avon came to the county seeking help to solve these problems. In response, the county retained Coastal Science and Engineering to study the area, to make recommendations to help solve these problems and to give cost estimates for the proposed solutions. That study was completed in late 2020 and recommends a beach nourishment project at a cost of $11 million to $14 million.

Answers to FAQ can be accessed here. For details about the public meeting on Feb. 24 at 6 p.m., click here.

This story originally appeared on OBXToday.com. Read More local stories here.