This is an unofficial summary of the meeting produced by the Dare County Public Relations Department. It does not include all items that were discussed at the meeting. View a PDF of the full agenda packet for the meeting that was held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

To view the video of the meeting on Dare County’s YouTube channel, please click the button below. Official minutes for the meeting are posted once they have been approved by the board, typically at the board’s next meeting, which is usually held on the first Monday of the following month. To access minutes for meetings dating back to 2017, please click here.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution in support of the continued inclusion of the Mid-Currituck Bridge project in the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), reaffirming the project as a top transportation priority for regional safety, emergency management and economic stability.

The proposed bridge is a vital infrastructure project that would provide a long-planned second crossing over the Currituck Sound, connecting the North Carolina mainland to the northern Outer Banks near Corolla. In addition to alleviating severe seasonal traffic congestion on N.C. Highway 12 and U.S. Route 158—which greatly impacts the quality of life and safety of residents and visitors—the project is critical to improving hurricane evacuation times, which currently exceed the state-designated standard for the northern Outer Banks.

The resolution notes that estimated construction costs for the bridge have risen, creating a significant funding gap between currently committed state funds and projected toll revenues. Due to these increased construction costs and emerging funding challenges, NCDOT has considered pulling back committed funds and requiring the project to re-compete for STIP funding. In adopting the resolution, the Dare County Board of Commissioners emphasized that “de-prioritizing the project now would undermine decades of planning, environmental review, and recent legal victories that have cleared the way for construction.” 

The resolution states that retaining the project in STIP for an additional funding cycle provides the necessary timeframe for stakeholders—including the N.C. Turnpike Authority and regional partners—to identify and secure alternative revenue sources, such as federal grants or updating tolling strategies. One such strategy that has been suggested is the implementation of a base toll rate of $15 for vehicles to utilize the Mid-Currituck Bridge once constructed in order to reduce the revenue gap potentially preventing the project from moving forward. 

In addition to urging NCDOT to analyze the potential impact of implementing a higher toll rate, the resolution in support of retaining and advancing the Mid-Currituck Bridge project in STIP also emphasizes Dare County’s support for “a concentrated effort by state and local officials to aggressively pursue new revenue streams, including federal U.S. Department of Transportation grants and public-private partnerships, to bridge the current funding gap.” 

At the conclusion of the resolution, the Dare County Board of Commissioners reiterated the Mid-Currituck Bridge’s essential role in facilitating future hurricane evacuations and alleviating persistent seasonal congestion along N.C. Highway 12 and U.S. Route 158—underscoring the project’s long-term value to residents, visitors and the region’s economic stability.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners received a comprehensive update from Dare County Chief Financial Officer Matt Motyka on several beach nourishment initiatives, focusing on long-term funding strategies, current project planning and ongoing intergovernmental coordination. The presentation outlined three primary topics: the proposed Beach Nourishment Model Framework and Reserve Policy, the Buxton/Avon Beach Nourishment Project, and the Nags Head Beach Nourishment Project.

Beach Nourishment Model Framework and Reserve Policy

The board first reviewed the Beach Nourishment Model Framework, which is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability and equitable distribution of funding for shoreline maintenance projects across Dare County’s municipalities. The model establishes baseline project allocations for each town and incorporates a structured approach to managing occupancy tax revenues, grants, and other funding sources while maintaining a financial reserve to address emergencies and disruptions in occupancy tax revenue. Following this review of the framework, the board voted to approve the reserve policy, which is intended to provide financial stability, support debt obligations, and ensure the county is prepared to respond to major erosion events or infrastructure needs.

Buxton/Avon Beach Nourishment Project - (3 Scenarios)

Next, an update was provided on the upcoming Buxton/Avon Beach Nourishment Project, where three potential scenarios were evaluated based on the availability of FEMA funding. With the county uncertain whether FEMA funding will be approved, staff had requested that the contractor, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, allow as much time as possible to make a final decision so that any potential FEMA contribution could be included. 

However, with the project start date in May approaching and the contractor needing sufficient time to prepare, the county has reached the point where a decision must be made regarding the project scope. This ensures that the work can proceed on schedule and that the contractor has clear guidance on the minimum project requirements, while preserving the option to expand the project if FEMA or other funding is later confirmed.

The first scenario—which is contingent on receiving FEMA funding—would include placing approximately 2 million cubic yards of sand along the shoreline in Buxton and approximately 800,000 cubic yards along the shoreline in Avon. The total estimated cost for this scenario—which also includes the planned repair of the Buxton terminal groin—is approximately $65 million, with roughly $30.4 million in funding anticipated from FEMA.

The second option presented was a baseline scenario—identified as the minimum needed to proceed with the 2026 Buxton/Avon Beach Nourishment Project, as well as the repair of the Buxton terminal groin. This baseline scenario would place approximately 1.351 million cubic yards of sand along the shoreline in Buxton and approximately 300,000 cubic yards along the shoreline in Avon at an estimated cost of $45 million, with no FEMA funding included. 

The third, approved scenario provides additional time for the FEMA funding commitment. This calls for the work to begin in Avon with 375,000 cubic yards and the baseline 1.351 million cubic yards in Buxton, with the ability to increase the volumes. The cost of this modified baseline scenario, which includes the groin repair, is $46 million. The board will revisit progress with FEMA and the final sand volumes before the project reaches Buxton. Additionally, the board authorized the county manager to execute the agreement with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company and to approve a budget amendment for demolition and debris removal in preparation for the beach nourishment project. 

Town of Nags Head Beach Nourishment Project

The Dare County Board of Commissioners also voted to execute the Nags Head Interlocal Agreement consistent with the funding allocation that was previously approved during the board’s meeting held on February 12, 2026. The Town of Nags Head’s 2026 beach nourishment project is tentatively scheduled to take place between May 2026 and August 2026.

During his Chairman’s Remarks, Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard shared a recently produced video created by Dare County highlighting the work and purpose of the North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition. The coalition, which was established by Chairman Woodard last year, was formed to protect the livelihoods of the state’s commercial fishermen, preserve coastal heritage and safeguard the economic vitality of working waterfronts. 

After presenting the video—which is available on Dare County’s YouTube channel—Chairman Woodard expressed his appreciation to Vice Chair Steve House and Commissioner Mary Ellon Ballance for their participation, noting their role in helping convey the realities experienced in communities along the coast. He emphasized that the video serves an important educational purpose: informing counties across the state, particularly those outside coastal regions, about the unique challenges impacting coastal communities like Dare County. 

Chairman Woodard also noted that the video will be shared widely, including with all 100 counties in North Carolina and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, to help foster greater statewide understanding of the challenges facing the commercial fishing industry and to encourage broader engagement among stakeholders.

At the conclusion of his remarks, Chairman Woodard shared that Dare County is in the process of developing a second informational video focused on three key concerns previously raised with state leaders: securing funding for the state’s beach nourishment fund, which was established but never funded; developing both short-term and long-term solutions to address the ongoing challenges with N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island; and eliminating the state’s moratorium on hardened structures to provide additional options for shoreline stabilization. This video is expected to be completed in the coming weeks and will also be distributed to the legislature and counties across the state.

For more information about the North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition, visit DareNC.gov/Fisheries. To view the North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition video on Dare County’s YouTube channel, visit YouTube.com/DareCounty or click the button below.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners authorized Dare County Manager Bobby Outten to execute a proposed contract with McGuireWoods Consulting to provide federal representation and strategic consulting services in support of efforts to address ongoing challenges along N.C. Highway 12. The agreement is aimed at securing federal resources to help rebuild, protect and improve the resilience of this critical transportation corridor, which continues to experience frequent flooding, storm damage and chronic overwash that threaten public safety, emergency access and the local economy.

This effort builds on the work of the N.C. 12 Task Force, whose February 2023 report identified seven critical “hot spots,” including six within Dare County, where the roadway is particularly vulnerable. As part of its long-term strategy, the county is pursuing durable bridge solutions and related resilience infrastructure to address these priority areas and reduce the need for repeated temporary repairs.

Under the contract, the firm will work with Dare County to develop and advance a comprehensive federal funding strategy, engage directly with members of Congress and federal agencies, and advocate for project inclusion in federal funding and infrastructure legislation. Additional services include identifying viable funding opportunities, coordinating with state and federal partners, assisting with permitting strategies, and supporting related coastal resilience initiatives such as beach nourishment and storm risk mitigation efforts.

Through this partnership with McGuireWoods Consulting, Dare County aims to advance sustainable solutions for N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island and strengthen the resilience of its coastal infrastructure. To view the final report issued by the N.C. 12 Task Force on February 7, 2023, visit DareNC.gov/NC12.

Dare County Librarian Meaghan Leenarts Beasley provided an update on the Dare County Library system, highlighting ongoing initiatives, programs and services that continue to support the community’s residents and visitors. She noted that the library remains focused on promoting inclusivity, creativity and lifelong learning through a wide range of offerings, including print and digital collections, specialty resources such as the “Library of Things” and seed libraries, and diverse programming for all ages—from storytimes and book clubs to author talks and community events. The library also continues to serve as an important community hub, offering technology access, digital literacy support, home delivery services and partnerships with local organizations for various events. 

A key focus of the presentation was the Dare County Library system’s upcoming transition as the East Albemarle Regional Library (EARL) system dissolves at the end of June 2026. As part of this change, Dare County will assume full management of its library system, operating independently as the Dare County Public Library beginning July 1, 2026. While the transition involves changes in operations, many core services will remain the same, including access to digital resources such as Libby, NC Live and Ancestry, as well as all existing library collections, facilities and staff expertise.

The transition will occur in phases over the coming months, including a temporary system shutdown in June to allow for migration to a new integrated library system. During this period, the Dare County Library’s three branches will briefly operate in an offline mode before resuming full services. Resource-sharing between counties will pause temporarily but is expected to resume later in the summer, along with courier services connecting Dare, Currituck, Camden and Pasquotank counties. Importantly, existing Dare County Library cards will remain valid, with patron accounts, identification numbers and PINs carrying over into the new system.

Beasley also emphasized the benefits of the transition, noting that Dare County will gain direct access to state funding—estimated at approximately $105,000 annually—along with expanded grant opportunities and additional resources through the statewide NC Cardinal network, which provides access to millions of items across North Carolina libraries. With growing usage—evidenced by more than 102,000 visits to the Dare County Library’s three branches in 2025—the upcoming transition positions the Dare County Library to strengthen its services, enhance access to resources and better meet the evolving needs of the community.

To view the slides from the presentation delivered by Dare County Librarian Meaghan Leenarts Beasley during the Board of Commissioners meeting, click here.

Renewal/Amendment of Special Use Permit for Rodanthe Sunset Resort LLC Group Development

The Dare County Board of Commissioners held a quasi-judicial hearing to consider a request from Rodanthe Sunset Resort LLC to renew and amend a Special Use Permit (SUP) for a group development at 24280 N.C. Highway 12 in Rodanthe. The original SUP was issued in January 2021 for a five-year period; however, the project has not yet been fully completed. The SUP issued in 2021 authorized a group development consisting of two multi-family structures—one with six units and the second with eight units—as well as two individual single-family homes. To date, the six-unit multi-family structure and two single-family homes have been completed. The renewal requests a two-year extension to allow construction of the final structure, which was not finished within the original timeframe. 

The amendment reduces the remaining multi-family structure from eight units to four units and cuts the total floor area from 17,284 to 8,076 square feet. Conditions of the SUP were updated to reflect these changes, and the revised site plan complies with current zoning standards, including impervious surface and parking requirements. Fire code conditions were also reviewed and incorporated by the Dare County Fire Marshal.

The Dare County Planning Board reviewed the application at its March 4, 2026 meeting and recommended approval. Following the quasi-judicial hearing, the Board of Commissioners approved the renewal and amendment of the SUP for the Rodanthe Sunset Resort LLC group development.

Cape Hatteras Electric Membership Cooperative Residential Group Development - SUP Application

The Dare County Board of Commissioners held a quasi-judicial hearing to consider a Special Use Permit (SUP) from Cape Hatteras Electric Membership Cooperative (CHEMC) for a residential group development at 47146 Light Plant Road in Buxton. The project, which is located across from CHEMC’s operations center, will provide employee housing with one 2-bedroom single-family home and a duplex containing one 2-bedroom unit and one 3-bedroom unit on a 32,382-square-foot parcel.

The development meets R-2A zoning requirements and will be accessed from Light Plant Road, with nine shared parking spaces and a centralized waste collection area. Vegetation removal will be limited to what is necessary, and conditions in the SUP ensure compliance with SED-1 zoning and other site requirements.

The Dare County Fire Marshal noted two concerns: the adjacent hydrant provides less fire flow than required, and portions of the rear dwelling exceed the 150-foot fire apparatus access limit. These issues can be addressed through alternatives such as non-combustible materials or residential fire suppression systems, which must be approved on building plans prior to permits being issued.

The Dare County Planning Board reviewed the application at its March 4, 2026 meeting and recommended approval. Following the hearing, the Board of Commissioners approved the Special Use Permit for the project.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners adopted the following proclamations and resolutions to highlight and address various issues of interest and concern:  

• Proclamation Designating April 11-17, 2026 as the “Week of the Young Child, Celebrating Our Youngest Learners”
  
• Proclamation Designating April 2026 as “Child Abuse Prevention Month”
• Proclamation Designating April 10, 2026 as “Local News Day” in Dare County
  
• Proclamation Declaring April as "Fair Housing Month" in Dare County
• Resolution Supporting the Continued Inclusion of the Mid-Currituck Bridge Project in the NCDOT State Transportation Improvement Program 

The newly adopted resolutions will be published on the Dare County website once they have been signed. To access all published resolutions of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, please click the button below.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners welcomes citizen participation on advisory boards and committees. This type of grassroots public involvement is the foundation of democracy and a vital part of maintaining Dare County as a quality place to live. Following is a list of Dare County advisory boards and committees with terms expiring during the next three months: 

May 2026

• Veterans Advisory Council
• Zoning Board of Adjustment - Dare County

June 2026

• College of the Albemarle Board of Trustees
• Extra Territorial Jurisdiction District - Town of Nags Head
• Fessenden Center Advisory Board
• Hatteras Community Center Board
• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
• Library Board - Dare
• Manns Harbor Community Center Board
• Northeastern Workforce Development Board
• Roanoke Island Community Center Board
• Transportation Advisory Board
• Waterways Commission

July 2026

• Dare County Airport Authority
• Dare County Game and Wildlife Commission
• Wanchese Community Center Board

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and once an application is submitted to the Clerk to the Dare County Board of Commissioners, it will remain on file for three years. View a full listing of current vacancies, and access the online application.

For more information, please contact Clerk to the Dare County Board of Commissioners Skyler Foley at Skyler.Foley@DareNC.gov or 252-475-5700. 

View a PDF of the full agenda packet for the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting that was held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.