Beach & Waterfront Access Grants
Forecasted
Beach & Waterfront Access Grants support local governments in acquiring land and improving access facilities so people can reach North Carolina’s public beaches and public trust waters on foot.
Funder: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Pre-application) | July 2027 (Final application)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $1.5 million available in FY 2026–27; no maximum request; 18-month contracts
Summary: Matching grants support local governments in acquiring land and improving pedestrian access to North Carolina’s beaches and public trust waters.
Key Information: Only the 20 coastal counties and their municipalities with public trust waters within their jurisdictions are eligible.
Description
The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (DCM) administers matching grants to improve pedestrian access to public beaches and public trust waters. Funding supports land and easement acquisition, construction of access facilities, rehabilitation, and maintenance at previously funded sites. Eligible improvements include ADA beach access mats, dune crossovers, boardwalks, piers, parking, and restrooms. Boat launches and nature-based features may be included when pedestrian access remains a major component.
The program also supports accessibility improvements, rehabilitation of deteriorating or underused urban waterfronts, and reconstruction or relocation of damaged access facilities. Priority goes to land acquisition, designs exceeding ADA requirements, and nature-based features that strengthen resiliency while supporting, protecting, and enhancing public access.
