But the dredge will expand the channel beyond what s been done in the recent past, which should give fishermen and boaters a reprieve from shoaling for a longer period of time. A survey team will follow-up once the job is complete to determine existing conditions. The county dredge is on standby to return in the fall should some touch-up be required. The project was delayed for a year after Little Beach property owners challenged the dredging permits issued by the state. They claimed that the dredging would increase erosion on their properties, and sought permission to build seawalls.
Regulators reject the argument, however, and the case has now moved on to superior court.
Keon said proving the Currituck could work within Aunt Lydia s Cove might make the Army Corps more willing to dredge the harbor on a regular basis. Also, the work isn t costing the town anything, although it was the town s responsibility to secure all the necessary permits, which took considerable time and money, Keon pointed out. The town also pays for the county dredge work, although at a rate of 25 to 30 percent less than the cost of a private contractor. The Board of Selectmen have made clear their unhappiness with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service s policy of killing predators on the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, expressing concern that publicity surrounding the recent killing of 10 coyotes on the island would have an adverse impact on the town. During a public meeting at the Eldredge Public Library last Thursday, wildlife advocates continued to press for the agency to adopt non-lethal methods of controlling predators.