Beach & Waterfront Access Grants
Forecasted
Beach & Waterfront Access Grants support North Carolina coastal local governments in acquiring land and improving facilities to expand pedestrian access to public beaches and public trust waters.
Funder: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Pre-application) | July 2027 (Final application)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $1.5 million estimated for FY 2026–27; no maximum request; anticipated 18-month contract
Summary: Matching grants help coastal local governments acquire, build, and improve pedestrian access to North Carolina beaches and public trust waters.
Key Information: Applicants must be eligible coastal counties or municipalities with public trust waters in their jurisdictions.
Description
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management provides matching grants to improve pedestrian access to public beaches and public trust waters in the state’s 20 coastal counties. Projects can acquire land or easements, construct access facilities such as beach access mats, dune crossovers, boardwalks, and piers, or improve existing access sites. Parking, restrooms, boat launches, and nature-based features can be included when pedestrian access remains a major component.
The program also supports accessibility improvements, rehabilitation of deteriorating or underused urban waterfronts, reconstruction or relocation of damaged access facilities, and eligible maintenance at previously funded sites. Selection considers community need and past project performance, with priority for land acquisition, designs exceeding ADA requirements, and nature-based features that protect access improvements.
