The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Division of Coastal Management (DCM) today celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program and announced more than $1.8 million dollars in grants to 10 communities for fiscal year 2026–27.
The program has partnered with local governments to create and improve public access to North Carolina’s beaches and coastal waters, and there are now more than 800 public access locations in coastal counties. Annual funding is provided through the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.
“These projects are important because they support tourism and local economies, expand outdoor recreation, improve quality of life, and connect people to the beautiful natural areas that make North Carolina’s coast such a treasure,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “From boardwalks and beach walkways to waterfront parks and accessible facilities, these projects help ensure that the coast remains a place everyone can experience and enjoy.”
The FY 2026–27 awards include:
- The Town of Calabash will receive $300,000 for the Calabash Waterfront Park. This project will support engineering and construction of a new boardwalk at the town's new waterfront park — creating another place where residents and visitors can connect directly with North Carolina's coastal waters.
- Craven County will receive $147,500 for improvements at Latham Whitehurst Nature Park. The county will reboard approximately 2,000 square feet of dock space, including an overlook and fishing pier, and install an accessible kayak launch.
- Dare County will receive $383,000 for land acquisition for Hatteras Island Parkin Hatteras Village. The county will acquire a 1.06-acre property with approximately 331 feet of shoreline along The Slash. This property will become the first estuarine access park on Hatteras Island.
- Emerald Isle will receive $79,125 for the Channel Drive Beach Access Extension. This project will extend the existing walkway approximately 300 feet beyond its current terminus and make significant accessibility improvements — including improvements to the walkway, ADA parking spaces, and transitions between the parking area, walkway and beach access.
- The Town of Manteo will receive $53,382 for the Manteo Waterfront Boardwalk – Northern Section. The town will reboard a 320-foot section of its waterfront boardwalk, replacing the existing wooden decking with a more permeable vinyl decking material.
- The Town of Newport will receive $170,000 to acquire two parcels adjacent to the Newport River. These properties will allow Newport to establish the town's first public waterfront access site, near the Wildlife Resources Commission boat launch.
- The Town of Surf City will receive $208,914 for the Goldsboro Avenue Public Waterfront Project. The town will create a new accessible public waterfront access facility along the Deep Creek shoreline, including an elevated boardwalk, kayak launch, permeable parking, lighting and shoreline stabilization.
- The Town of Topsail Beach will receive $250,000 for facilities at Topsail Nature Preserve. This project will build on the state's recent acquisition and preservation of this special property by adding parking improvements, expanded ADA-accessible parking, two restrooms, accessible beach access improvements, a sunset viewing deck and other public access amenities.
- The Town of Winfall will receive $126,658 for the Winfall Landing Park Refurbishment. The project will replace approximately 570 linear feet of boardwalk and improve ADA-accessible parking and pathways connecting visitors to the boardwalk.
“Surf City's beaches and waterfronts are a defining part of our community and our way of life. Our longstanding partnership with the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Coastal Management has allowed us to make important investments that benefit both residents and visitors," said Surf City Mayor Teresa B. Batts. “As the Beach and Waterfront Access Program celebrates 45 years, we're proud to be part of its continued work to preserve the connection between our communities and North Carolina's coast for generations to come."
Following the anniversary celebration, DEQ officials toured a project supported through the Division of Coastal Management’s Resilient Coastal Communities Program. The project uses permeable pavers to help manage stormwater and reduce flooding.
“The Resilient Coastal Communities Program has provided a valuable roadmap for Topsail Island to proactively address the challenges facing our coastal communities,” said Kyle Breuer, Surf City Town Manager. “Through the State’s investment and continued partnership with NCDEQ, Surf City has successfully completed four stormwater improvement projects, demonstrating practical, effective solutions that strengthen our resilience and provide lasting benefits to our residents and visitors. We are grateful for the State’s commitment to helping coastal communities turn planning into meaningful action.”
Sec. Wilson’s visit to Surf City highlighted two complementary DCM programs: one focused on connecting people with the coast and another helping communities prepare for changing coastal conditions.