Beach and Waterfront Access Grant Program

The Beach and Waterfront Access Grant Program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality through its Division of Coastal Management. This program is designed to improve public access to beaches and coastal waterfronts across the state’s coastal regions. It focuses on enhancing pedestrian access to public trust waters, including ocean, estuarine, and riverine environments, within designated coastal counties. The program reflects North Carolina’s broader coastal management goals of ensuring equitable and sustainable access to shoreline resources while preserving environmental quality and public use. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that expand or improve public access infrastructure. Eligible activities include land acquisition for future access sites, construction or renovation of facilities such as boardwalks, piers, and ADA-compliant pathways, and maintenance or repair of previously funded sites in certain cases. Projects must prioritize pedestrian access as a central feature and may incorporate supporting amenities such as parking areas or restrooms. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to integrate resiliency features, including nature-based solutions, to enhance long-term sustainability and protection against coastal hazards. Funding for the 2026–2027 cycle is estimated at approximately $1.5 million, although final availability depends on state budget approval. There is no formal maximum request amount, but applicants are advised that larger proposals may be difficult to fund due to limited program resources. The program requires cost sharing from applicants, with match requirements varying by project type. Land acquisition projects typically require at least a 15 percent match, while site improvement projects require at least 25 percent. Reduced match requirements apply to designated Tier 1 communities. Matching contributions may include both cash and in-kind resources, with specific minimum cash contribution thresholds. Eligibility for the program is limited to local governments located within North Carolina’s 20 coastal counties, including both county governments and municipalities that have public trust waters within their jurisdiction. Applicants must demonstrate site control, either through ownership or long-term lease or easement, and must ensure that funded properties remain dedicated to public access for at least 25 years, or in perpetuity for acquired land. Projects must comply with all applicable accessibility standards and permitting requirements, including state and federal guidelines for ADA compliance. The application process involves a two-stage submission. Applicants must first submit a pre-application, which is used to evaluate project concepts and determine which proposals will be invited to submit a full application. The pre-application for the 2026–2027 cycle is due on April 24, 2026. Selected applicants are invited to submit a final application by July 31, 2026. Prior to submitting a final application, applicants must conduct a public meeting or hearing to gather input on the proposed project. Applications are submitted electronically to regional District Planners. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including the extent to which the project improves pedestrian access, demonstrated community need, alignment with local coastal plans, and the applicant’s ability to complete and maintain the project. Additional priority is given to land acquisition projects, projects that exceed ADA accessibility requirements, and those that incorporate resiliency features. Successful applicants are expected to be notified of funding decisions in late summer or early fall, with contract execution anticipated in the fall and project implementation beginning shortly thereafter. The anticipated project period is approximately eighteen months.

Prioritize pedestrian access as a core project component demonstrate strong community need align the project with local coastal plans exceed ADA accessibility standards and incorporate resiliency features such as nature based solutions