The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) announced today it is pausing its federal consistency review of proposed updates to training activities and operations within the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point Range Complex.
MCAS Cherry Point requested the pause Oct. 2 to allow time to finalize additional documentation regarding its proposal, including information related to the purpose and need for a proposed 500-foot buffer and the timing and duration of intermittent closures of portions of the Neuse River between Bombing Targets 9 and 11 (BT-9 and BT-11).
The State’s review will determine if the proposed project in Carteret and Pamlico Counties is consistent with the enforceable policies of North Carolina’s Coastal Management Program.
DCM held a public hearing Sept. 29 in Morehead City regarding the proposal. Seven members of the public attended, with six providing comments. Written comments submitted during the public comment period are being collected for release.
Once MCAS Cherry Point submits its additional information, DCM plans to seek further feedback from stakeholders and state resource agencies, particularly regarding the proposed timing and duration of closures. DCM will determine what additional public engagement opportunities will be made available at that time.
A more thorough description of the proposed federal actions may be examined online.
Written public comments will continue to be accepted through Oct. 15.
Please submit written comments by Oct. 15, 2026, to Federal Consistency Coordinator, 400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, NC 28557, or by email to federalconsistencycomments@deq.nc.gov. Please put “Federal Consistency: USMC MCAS Cherry Point” in the subject line. All comments will be considered in developing the state’s consistency response.