State Appropriates $8.6 Million for Morehead City Projects

Morehead City, NC — Three Morehead City projects stand to receive $8.6 Million in appropriations funding in the state budget that was approved by the NC Legislature, and will soon become law by Gov. Roy Cooper. 

In all, $4.6 Million will be for the Sugarloaf Island shoreline restoration project; $2 Million is earmarked for the rebuilding of Fire Station 3, which was damaged during Hurricane Florence in 2018; and another $2 Million is for long-term improvements at Big Rock Stadium within Rotary Park.

“This funding would not be possible without the hard work of City staff, in conjunction with Senator Norm Sanderson and Representative Celeste Cairns,” said Mayor Jerry Jones. “Combined, their dedication to secure this state appropriation will benefit Morehead City for years to come, on a variety of levels. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a reality.” 

The biggest portion of the state funding will help with the Sugarloaf Island shoreline resiliency project, which aims to help preserve the island located across from the downtown waterfront. Various agencies, including Sea & Shoreline and the Coastal Federation, are working with the City on this project. 

Fire Station 3, which is currently at 5921 Highway 70, sustained severe damage five years ago when Hurricane Florence impacted the area. Since then, the crews based there have been in temporary housing behind the original structure. This money will help the City build a new Station 3 on Brooks Street. 

The money set aside for Big Rock Stadium will go toward facilities improvements. The stadium was original constructed in 2010 due to a collaborative effort between the City, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, and Puck O’Neal.

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For Immediate Release

September 22, 2023

Contact: Anna Smith

Public Information Officer

Anna.smith@moreheadcitync.org