Communities along North Carolina’s Outer Banks are grappling with how to prevent beaches, and ultimately the settlements themselves, from washing away.
One solution, beach replenishment in which sand is harvested offshore and pumped onto eastern-facing beachfronts, is a costly, temporary measure. The Town of Avon, with a few hundred full-time residents, needs at least $11 million to stop its main road from washing away.
To raise the funds, Dare County proposed increasing Avon’s property taxes by almost 50% for some residents. But that plan would only stave off the problem for about five years. Other communities along the Outer Banks face similar challenges.
In light of major storms that have pummeled the sandbar island chain in recent years, along with rising sea levels, some suggest the government would be better served to pay residents to relocate inland. One Avon resident quoted in a New York Times Magazine article said he is telling his children to leave the community.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2020
Washington State construction industry restart plan has three phases
In state with earliest COVID-19 cases, advisory group developing priorities based on risk.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2020
More mass timber beam and column options available in the U.S.
Freres Lumber unveils new line of structural elements suitable for high-rise buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 13, 2020
Researchers flag insufficient training for construction workers on healthcare projects
May contribute to fungal disease outbreaks that endanger patients
Codes and Standards | May 8, 2020
New NIBS report evaluates natural disaster mitigation strategies
Document examines strengthening buildings for flood, wind, wildfires, and earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | May 6, 2020
A few ways contractors can manage COVID-19 risks
Staggered start times, rigorous tool cleaning, virtual training among the strategies.
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2020
NAHB loses influence in 2021 IECC building code development
Despite objections from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the development of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is nearing conclusion. NAHB objected to several more stringent energy efficiency provisions.
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2020
2020 IECC will lead to significant carbon emissions reductions
New model building code nearly finalized.
Codes and Standards | May 4, 2020
New York expands prevailing wage law
Now includes private projects with 30% or more of public subsidies.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2020
OSHA says most employers don’t have to track worker COVID-19 infections
Agency clarifies responsibility for contractors, others.
Codes and Standards | Apr 29, 2020
New York City tightens restrictions on construction during pandemic
Dept. of Buildings has issued more than 100 violations and stop-work orders.
