Contract awarded for dredging of the Back Sound to Lookout Bight Federal Navigation Channel

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

CARTERET COUNTY, NC  – On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Wilmington District took a significant step towards ensuring safe navigation and preserving the natural beauty of Cape Lookout National Seashore by awarding a $6,898,500 contract to Next Generation Logistics for the maintenance dredging of the Back Sound to Lookout Bight Federal Navigation Channel and adjacent National Park Service Channels.

This cooperative effort between the USACE, the National Park Service, the State of North Carolina, and Carteret County, NC, reflects a commitment to safeguarding our environment and maintaining vital access to the Cape Lookout National Seashore. The contract will facilitate the necessary maintenance to ensure the accessibility and safety of navigation through Lookout Bight.

Dredged material suitable for beach placement will be deposited on the interior beach near National Park Service structures. The remaining material will be strategically placed to create a habitat conducive to nesting shorebirds, aligning with the mission of preserving the natural ecosystem.

“The preservation of our coast is of paramount importance to us in Carteret County,” said Jimmy Farrington, Chairman of the Carteret County Board of Commissioners. “This project not only ensures the safety and accessibility of our waterways but also reaffirms our commitment to the environment. We are proud to partner with the National Park Service and the State of North Carolina to undertake this project, ensuring that the Cape Lookout National Seashore remains a natural treasure for generations to come.”

For additional information, visit USACE News Release.

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