environment

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

August 7, 2026 / 7:56 PM EDT / CBS News

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.