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The Town of Duck’s Living Shoreline and Resiliency Project has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2024 Marvin Collins Planning Award in the “Sustainability and Resilience” category from the North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-NC). This recognition highlights the town’s innovative project, designed as a model for soundfront property owners and coastal communities.

Situated along a prominent quarter-mile stretch of N.C. Highway 12, the Living Shoreline and Resiliency Project is easily visible to residents, pedestrians and travelers, providing an opportunity for community engagement and observation of its coastal resiliency elements over time.

Key features of the project are designed for replication by both private property owners and other communities. Notably, the use of living shorelines as an alternative to hardened bulkheads can be implemented on various scales, while the addition of sidewalks and bike lanes promotes safer transportation, stated a Town of Duck news release. The project also includes the elevation of N.C. Highway 12 and construction of a stone revetment to mitigate flooding and erosion issues, enhancing overall community resilience and sustainability. Additionally, various stormwater management components can be duplicated by property owners and local governments, the release continued.

“The Living Shoreline and Resiliency Project has significantly enhanced the sustainability of the Duck community by reducing shoreline erosion, restoring coastal marsh, providing transportation alternatives, elevating roadways, and implementing advanced stormwater solutions,” stated the release.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from the APA-NC,” said Town of Duck director of community development Joe Heard. “This project represents a significant investment in our community’s future and demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and resilience. This important project would not have been possible without the efforts and support of many in our community including Senior Planner Sandy Cross, the Duck Town Council, VHB design engineering, Fred Smith Company construction, and our many funding partners. We believe that this project can serve as a model for other coastal communities facing similar challenges.”

The APA-NC Marvin Collins Planning Awards are named after a distinguished planner who made significant contributions to the field. The awards are considered the highest honor in planning in North Carolina and recognize the outstanding work of individuals and organizations.

To learn more about the Living Shoreline and Resiliency Project, go to townofduck.com/living-shoreline-and- resiliency-project/.

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