Outer Banks Leaders Seek Funding Solutions for NC 12 at D.C. Summit

Delegation discusses challenges of beach erosion and infrastructure threats with national organizations and lawmakers.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:49pm

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A delegation of Outer Banks leaders and organizations, including representatives from Dare County, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and local civic groups, recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in a summit addressing the challenges facing coastal communities. The group discussed issues like beach nourishment, ocean erosion, and the ongoing threats to NC Highway 12, a vital transportation link for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.

Why it matters

The Outer Banks region is grappling with the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels, which are threatening critical infrastructure like NC 12. By engaging with national organizations and lawmakers, the Outer Banks delegation aims to secure funding and support for short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions to protect this important coastal highway.

The details

At the summit, the Outer Banks delegation was part of a panel discussion that outlined the specific challenges facing their region to organizations and elected leaders from around the country. The group learned that they are not alone in dealing with these issues, as other coastal communities are also struggling with beach erosion and infrastructure threats. The discussion focused on finding ways to tap into funding sources to address the hot spots along NC 12, including options like moving or raising the road or building small bridges in threatened areas.

  • The summit took place last week in Washington, D.C.
  • The Outer Banks delegation returned to the beach after the summit

The players

Justin LeBlanc

Executive director of the Ocracoke Access Alliance.

Bobby Outten

Dare County Manager.

Dave Hallac

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Superintendent.

Brian Harris

Member of the Buxton Civic Association.

Heather Jennette

Member of the Buxton Civic Association.

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What they’re saying

“I think we learned over the couple days that we're not the only ones with these challenges, that there are other communities around the United States and, in fact, around the world that are that are struggling with beach nourishment and ocean erosion issues that affect their infrastructure as well. It was an opportunity to highlight our situation, but also learned that we're not the only ones facing these challenges.”

— Justin LeBlanc, Executive director of the Ocracoke Access Alliance

“The more people we have that actually are talking about this, the better off it is.”

— Brian Harris, Member of the Buxton Civic Association

“A lot of the members of the conference are on the sub committees in both the House and the Senate in DC. Basically, there's four committees in the House and four in the Senate to handle coastal funding. So now we have doors to go get funding.”

— Brian Harris, Member of the Buxton Civic Association

What’s next

The Outer Banks delegation plans to continue working with national organizations and lawmakers to secure funding for short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions to protect NC Highway 12 from the impacts of climate change and coastal erosion.

The takeaway

The Outer Banks summit in Washington, D.C. has opened new doors for the region to access funding and support from national organizations and lawmakers to address the critical infrastructure challenges posed by beach erosion and rising sea levels. By collaborating with partners across the country, the Outer Banks community is working to find sustainable solutions to protect this vital coastal highway.