The North Carolina General Assembly recently completed its work on the state budget and most of the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s budget priorities were funded – assuming lawmakers can reach a compromise with Gov. Cooper on a final state spending plan.
The final legislative budget proposal included a variety of coastal investments:
- $1.5M to match federal funding and continue restoration of sanctuary oyster beds in the Pamlico Sound.
- $50,000 for a market study for North Carolina oyster industry – a key priority of the recently completed Strategic Plan for the oyster industry in North Carolina.
- $30,000 in matching funds to draw down federal support for oyster crop insurance pilot program – another Strategic Plan priority
- $3.3 million to preserve the Stroud Property, a high value conservation project on Bogue Sound in Carteret County, from development
- $100,000 for engineering plans to replace a 50-year old pump station and protect 300+ Hyde County structures from catastrophic flooding – and improve Lake Mattamuskeet water quality – a key recommendation of the recently completed Lake Mattamuskeet Restoration Plan
Of course, the status of this funding is up in the air as Gov. Cooper and legislative leaders continue to try to work out a compromise spending plan for the state. Hopefully they will reach an agreement soon.