11 June 2014 Minutes
11June2014
Meeting Minutes
Acting Chairman Andrewcalled the meeting to order at 4:00and welcomed all.Introductions
were made by each;the meeting’sattendance sheetisattached. Harry Simmons,Executive
Director of the North Carolina Beach,Inlet and Waterway Association(NCBIWA)wasa
welcomedvisitor.
TheNew Hanover County (NHC)Port,Waterway&Beach Commission (PWBC)approvedthe
Aprilmeeting minutes (emailed 11April2014).The current PWBC fund balance was noted at
~$6,381.98
Current Business
Wrightsville Beach (WB) FY14 Coastal Storm Damage Reduction (CSDR) Project
Weeks Dredging has completed the material placement and is demobilizing equipment; complete
demobilization is scheduled for 13 June. A final accounting of volume removed, placed and the
costs will be requested from the USACE.
NHC’s Kure Beach (KB) CSDR Project Authorization
The NC Division of Coastal Management (NCDCM)has accepted and deemed the application
th
package as complete.The USACE received their package from NCDCM on the 10and is
beginning their review and federal agency transmittals.Mr. Batson, KB’s local permit officer,
was provided a complete copy of the submitted permit application and geotechnical report. A
NCDCM permit decision is anticipated by the end of July.
Shallow Draft Inlet (SDI) Permitting
The NC Division of Water Resources(NCDWR) has announced the apparent low bidderfor the
SDI-5 Permit PhaseasO'Brien & Gere.The localmatchper inlet is $8,500; however, there may
be supplemental geotech requests made.A kickoff meeting is anticipated in early July.
Shoreline Transects
The 2014 survey transectsare complete. The team is completing the data reductionand quality
assurance. A draft report is anticipated from the engineersin late summer/early fall.
CB Reauthorization
The2014Water ResourceandReform Development Act(WRRDA)has passed and
CB has been granted a three-year extension. Within this three-year grace period, a report
determining continued federal interest (cost/benefit analysis) can be prepared.If accepted by the
USACE, there is a potential of a15-year Congressional authorization extension.
Based on USACE correspondence, the USACE Head Quarters (HQ) may take one to two years
developing implementation guidancefor the re-authorization study process. The District will
haveno directionin that processuntil theHQguidance is provided. Therefore, CB’s three-year
grace periodfor re-authorizationwillbeimpracticalwithin the USACE timeline. The remaining
options area“no action”oranon-federal effortto develop the continued interest determination.
CB Councilman Shuttleworth shared items discussed in a CB meeting with the USACE
regarding re-authorization.
KB Councilman Bloszinsky supported a proactive local approach considering the USACE’s
tentative implementation guideline schedule and other examples of USACE study timelines.
Mr. Barbourand Mr. Andrewsuggested the PWBC support the NHC efforts to explore
alternatives that may allow re-authorization.
Discussionslead thePWBC to supportNHCproactivelymoving forwardwith evaluating options
of the CB CSDR re-authorization.
Carolina Beach Inlet Funding
NHC management has requested the state delegation’s support for a change in the room
occupancy tax (ROT) language allowing the unincorporated district’s ROT funds be available for
maintaining NHC inlets.
Mr. Barbour, Mr. Kellam and Mr. Simmons recapped the NCBIWA legislative visits that
occurred earlier thatmorning in Raleigh. Mr. Barbour added the legislation being proposed for
District U funds was progressing wellandnotedwas not inlet specific.
Mr. Kellam sharedthat during the most recent USACE shallow draft inlet meeting; the Division
of Water Resources did not rule out state funding support for the maintenance of Mason Inlet.
Mr. Barbour and Mr. Simmons noted WRRDA 2014 language included recreational economics
supporting AIWW maintenance funding allocations.
Mr. Barbour also updated the PWBC on the status of the Carolina Beach Inlet Association’s
economic study; Dr. Dumas says the report is almost complete.
New Business
Acting Chairman Andrew suggested we invite the new CEO of the North Carolina State Ports
Authority Paul Cozza to our next meeting. Mr. Loving encouraged the idea and reminded the
PWBC of theirinput and success in the Wilmington Harbor 96Act.
Acting Chairman Andrew proposed filling the vacant Chairmanship; siting his Coastal Resource
Commission obligations and the potential for an inferredconflict of interest. Acting Chairman
Andrew then nominated Mr. Dennis Barbour as Chairman. The PWBC discussed the
nomination, asked for additional nominees, asked Mr. Barbour of his willingness to serve and
then unanimously voted Mr. Barbour as Chairman.
Public Comment
Spencer Rogers of Sea Grantbriefly introduced a new Rip Current Mapping effort the program
was implementing along our coast. More project information would soon be released.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:20.
Agenda
11 June2014,4:00–5:00 PM
New Hanover County, Government Center
Finance Conference Room #500
4:00Call to Order
Welcome/Introductions
Approval of AprilMeeting Minutes (emailed 11 April2014)
PWBCFund Balance ~$6,381.98
CurrentMatters
Wrightsville Beach (WB) FY14 Coastal Storm Damage Reduction (CSDR)
Project
Placement Complete
NHC’s Kure Beach (KB) CSDR Project Authorization
Application considered complete as of 16 May 2014;anticipated issuance,late
July.
Shallow DraftInlet(SDI)Permitting
NC Division of Water Resource’s is evaluating the apparent low bid forthe
permitting phase;based on bids thecostmaybe near $20K(supplemental geotech
efforts may be warranted in Carolina Beach Inlet).
Shoreline Transects
2014 Surveys are complete;aDraft reportisanticipated in thelatesummer
timeframe.
Carolina Beach Reauthorization
A3-year extension grantedin WRRDA 2014.
Carolina Beach Inlet Funding
Requested ROT language modificationfor use of District U(unincorporated)
Funds.
New Business
PWBC considerations for filling the vacant Chairman position.
Public Comment
Adjourn