Local Governments Spend Over $250K Fighting Wilmington Harbor Deepening Project

Bald Head Island and Southport have paid hundreds of thousands in legal fees to oppose the $1.3 billion harbor expansion.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two local governments in North Carolina have spent over $250,000 on legal expenses to fight the $1.3 billion Wilmington Harbor Deepening Project. Bald Head Island has paid more than $244,000 to a law firm, while Southport has spent an additional $12,000. The legal costs went toward studies, records requests, meetings, and drafting statements to project leaders. Several other municipalities have also voiced concerns about the project's environmental and economic impacts.

Why it matters

The Wilmington Harbor Deepening Project aims to deepen the Cape Fear River by 5 feet, allowing larger ships to reach the Port of Wilmington. While advocates say this will help keep the port competitive, critics argue the project will negatively impact wildlife, cause erosion, and release PFAS chemicals. The significant legal spending by local governments highlights the high stakes and ongoing battle over the project's future.

The details

In the last 12 months, Bald Head Island has paid over $244,000 to a Greensboro-based law firm, including three payments of more than $50,000 since November 2025. Southport has spent an additional $12,000, using the same law firm as well as an engineering firm in Wilmington. The legal costs covered financial studies, records requests, meeting attendance, and drafting statements to project leaders.

  • In the last 12 months, Bald Head Island has made over $244,000 in legal payments.
  • Since October 2025, Southport has made 5 legal payments under $4,000 each.

The players

Bald Head Island

A local government that has paid over $244,000 in legal fees to fight the Wilmington Harbor Deepening Project.

Southport

A local government that has spent an additional $12,000 in legal fees to fight the Wilmington Harbor Deepening Project.

Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, L.L.P.

A law firm based in Greensboro that has been retained by both Bald Head Island and Southport to provide legal services related to the harbor project.

TI Coastal Services

An engineering firm based in Wilmington that has provided services to Southport related to the harbor project.

Peter Quinn

The mayor of Bald Head Island, who stated that the legal spending is justified given the high stakes of the project for the village.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't think this project makes a whole lot of sense.”

— Peter Quinn, Mayor of Bald Head Island (WECT)

“When we're looking at expenses, things like legal expenses, coastal engineer expenses, a lot of that stuff is a drop in the bucket when you look at the overall impact.”

— Peter Quinn, Mayor of Bald Head Island (WECT)

“The firm is deeply involved in matters concerning the Wilmington Harbor Project and brings substantial expertise in environmental law and regulatory processes. Given the potential long-term environmental and economic consequences of this project, the City believes it is both prudent and necessary to engage experienced legal counsel to ensure our interests and those of our residents are fully represented and protected.”

— Noah Saldo, City Manager of Southport (WECT)

What’s next

Next week, Bald Head Island leaders will meet for their council retreat to discuss the project and any additional legal fees.

The takeaway

The significant legal spending by local governments highlights the high stakes and ongoing battle over the future of the Wilmington Harbor Deepening Project, which has faced growing opposition from communities concerned about its environmental and economic impacts.