In North Carolina's Outer Banks, a community is spending millions to save its economy from collapsing into the ocean

TL;DR

Dare County is investing $50 million to restore several miles of eroded shoreline in Buxton, North Carolina.
The project involves pumping 2 million cubic yards of offshore sand to widen beaches and dunes, acting as a natural levee.
The economy of Dare County heavily relies on tourism, fishing, and boating, all dependent on beach access.
Climate change and increased hurricane activity have worsened erosion, leading to 32 home collapses in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore area since 2020.
The restored beaches will be up to 75 feet wider in some areas, providing a buffer for roads and homes.
This is the third beach nourishment project in the area, and it is funded by county taxpayers.
The project is a temporary solution, with similar efforts expected to be needed every five years.

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