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The Town of Nags Head will soon embark on significant stormwater infrastructure improvements, funded by a $2,356,910 grant from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

“These upgrades aim to address stormwater and flooding issues in the northern part of Nags Head, aligning with the Town’s comprehensive stormwater management strategy,” stated a news release from the Town of Nags Head.

The funding will be used to install a new stormwater system near Wrightsville Avenue and Nags Head Elementary School. This system will pump water to an infiltration feature that will be constructed beneath the Bonnett Street public beach access parking lot, which will be reconstructed as part of the project. These upgrades are designed to reduce flooding caused by heavy rainfall, low-lying terrain, dense development, and rising groundwater in the area, noted the release.

“In October 2016, Nags Head faced severe flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew,” said town manager Andy Garman. “One of 13 projects identified in our Stormwater Management Capital Improvement Plan, these improvements are designed to enhance our capacity to manage flooding. As stewards of the environment, we are committed to ensuring a safe, healthy, and resilient community in a manner that respects and protects our natural surroundings. We are extremely appreciative of the significant grant opportunities provided by the State of North Carolina, which will help us address both present and future challenges.”

The State Water Infrastructure Authority, an independent body responsible for distributing federal and state funding for water infrastructure projects, awarded the grant on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Nags Head’s project was selected from 221 applications submitted by 65 counties across North Carolina, with the authority approving 70 projects from 30 counties at its July 16 meeting. Full details of the funded projects can be found at DEQ.NC.gov.

Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management has awarded Nags Head $207,669 for improvements at the June Street Public Beach Access. Planned upgrades include the construction of a 6-foot-wide, 1,650-square-foot ADA-accessible wooden dune walkover, a 16-foot octagonal gazebo, an upgraded shower station, and a new lamp post. “These enhancements will improve accessibility and comfort for users, further demonstrating the Town’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth,” stated the release.

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