OAK ISLAND, N.C. (WECT) – Three southeastern N.C. towns were awarded grants for dune construction and tree removal projects, according to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources.

Per the release, over $10.5 million was awarded for seven projects across the coast related to hurricane and storm damage.

The Ocean Isle Beach East End Dune Construction project received $1.019 million, the Town of Oak Island Dune Planting project received $440,000 and the Topsail Island Vitex Eradication Project received $690,060.50.

“After a call for applications from the coastal communities, DWR received seven applications. All project applicants were awarded funding. The applicants are matching the $10.5 million in state grant funding with $32 million in local government funds,” the release states. “Applications were scored on six criteria, including environmental benefits, social benefits, economic benefits, life of the project, financial resources and project efficiency. To learn more about the criteria, go to the guidelines on the department’s website.”

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