Topsail Island Shoreline Protection Commission (TISPC) in conjunction with the North Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Program (NC-RCCP) are exploring options for a potential project for the entire island which would bring Surf City, Topsail Beach, and North Topsail Beach together for an equitable approach for coastal resilience.
Representatives from all three towns have been meeting to discuss potential projects based on the needs of Topsail Island as a whole as a benefit to all three towns and their communities.
The project team began with phase I that consisted of four workshops with the Community Action Team (CAT) and an Open House event (December 2021). Phase II included another Open House held on March 16, 2022, where we received public input in order to choose a project. Through phases I and II of the RCCP, the stormwater infiltration system along roadways was identified as a priority.
The goal is to develop a roadside stormwater template that can be transferable to other locations on the island through day-to-day implementation. This project is necessary to provide a nature-based solution to street flooding, impacting daily activities, evacuations, and an overall water quality improvement, especially where stormwater can be disconnected from existing discharge locations. Each town of Topsail Island - Surf City/Topsail Beach/North Topsail Beach - is committed to working together economically and efficiently to address hazardous flooded roadways.
With the project chosen, we now move into phase III, engineering, and design. Through progress monitoring and benchmarks, this phase will take approximately 6 months to complete.
To learn more about this effort and follow updates on any potential projects, please visit the TISPC website here.