Public Hearing on Proposed Temporary Rules for Aquatic Weed Fund, Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging Fund, and Coastal Storm Damage Mitigation Fund

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will hold a public hearing on November 14, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. on the proposed adoption of Temporary Rules 15A NCAC 01T for the Aquatic Weed Fund, Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging Fund, and Coastal Storm Damage Mitigation Fund.  The public is invited to provide comment on the proposal virtually via WebEx or in-person at the First Floor Training Room (Room 1210) in the Green Square Building, 217 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27604, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Session Law 2022-74 (An Act to Modify the Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021 and to Make Other Changes in the Budget Operations of the State), Section 12.1, requires the Department of Environmental Quality to adopt temporary rules to implement the policies or guidelines for the administration of funds from G.S. 143-215.73F(b1) and G.S. 143-215.73M(b1). These temporary rules are being proposed to satisfy this requirement by specifying how to apply for funds, what information is necessary to apply, and the Department's procedure for deciding fund allocation.

Funds appropriated in G.S. 143-215.73F(b1) and G.S. 143-215.73M(b1) are allocated to three programs- the Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging Fund for dredging projects designed to keep shallow draft navigation channels located in State waters or waters of the State located within lakes navigable and safe; the Coastal Storm Damage Mitigation Fund, which provides grants to units of local government for costs associated with beach nourishment, artificial dunes, and other projects to mitigate or remediate coastal storm damage to the ocean beaches and dune systems of the State; and the Aquatic Weed Control Fund, which provides grants for local units of government and other entities looking to control, eradicate, and regulate noxious aquatic weeds so as to protect and preserve human health, safety, and beneficial uses of State waters.

Event: Public Hearing on Proposed Temporary Rules for Aquatic Weed Fund, Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging Fund, and Coastal Storm Damage Mitigation Fund
When: Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, at 3:30 p.m.
Where (in-person): First Floor Training Room (Room 1210) in the Green Square Building, 217 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27604
Where (virtually): WebEx

The public is also invited to comment in writing on the proposed changes. Written comments must be received by DEQ no later than December 2, 2022. Please email written comments to Kevin.Hart@ncdenr.gov.    

Comments may also be submitted by mail to:

The proposed rules and supporting documents are available online.