Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Currituck County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in environment with medium priority
Farmland Preservation Grant — North End Farm
A $1,476,700 state grant will permanently preserve 57 acres of the Markert family's North End Farm through a conservation easement — the county's first farmland preservation grant.
Mackey Island Fish and Wildlife Meeting
A March 11 public meeting on Knotts Island will address possible closure or reduced flow through Corey's Ditch, with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Ducks Unlimited.
Coinjock Bay seaweed/invasive plant problem
Residents Paul and Barbara Hodges described rotting, smelly invasive seaweed harming Coinjock Bay and asked who handles grant money for cleanup. The county manager agreed to connect them with the right contacts.
Coastal Fishing Regulations Moratorium (SB 1065)
The Board backed a temporary freeze on new coastal fishing regulations, supporting commercial and recreational fishing interests.
Hardened Shoreline Structures Ban (SB 1009)
The county endorsed a state bill to repeal the ban on hardened shoreline structures like seawalls and to fund beach preservation — a big deal for a coastal county fighting erosion.
Septic oversight in the off-road area
Tom Hurley raised alarms about a fourth septic system installed at the 'Laughing Gull' property using a beach shoe. The county can't control septic permits — that's Albemarle Regional Health Services under state law.
Dune vegetation and sand fence funding
The TDA budget amendment funds a reimbursement program helping beachfront POAs and HOAs plant dune grass and install sand fencing. Commissioners noted the dunes performed exactly as designed in recent storms — and that dunes aren't natural; they were built by people.