title
A Resolution to Adopt Detailed Staff Comments on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge (NCDOT HB-0039) Environmental Assessment
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Department: |
Transportation |
Meeting Date: |
10/6/2026 |
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Contact Name: |
Susan Habina-Woolard |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
(910) 772-4163 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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Attachments: |
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PURPOSE:
This purpose of this resolution is to adopt the City of Wilmington staff response, as informed by consultation with others, to The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement Project Environmental Assessment as released by the North Carolina Department of Transportation on Friday, August 14, 2026, for submission.
BACKGROUND:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is proposing to replace the non-tolled, four-lane Cape Fear Memorial Bridge with a six-lane facility to be substantially funded through the imposition of tolls. This project is currently identified in the North Carolina State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as HB-0039.
As a step in the process to advance the project, NCDOT released an Environmental Assessment (“EA”) for the project on Friday, August 14, 2026. The EA is part of the Section 404/National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Merger Process. The EA has been made available for comment until October 15, 2026.
At its regular meeting on September 1, 2026, Wilmington City Council adopted its first resolution related to the information contained within the EA. The comments in that resolution were broad in nature and intended to express Council’s position, especially its continued, consistent opposition to the use of tolling to fund the replacement bridge; further the dialogue with the community; and guide staff in the path forward.
Council was informed at that meeting that City of Wilmington staff were securing additional technical expertise and developing detailed, specific comments in response to the EA. These comments include the presentation of alternatives for consideration by the Merger Team. The Resolution, attached staff comments, consultant reports, and backup documentation are being submitted for review and approval by the Wilmington City Council. Upon approval, subject to any changes or revisions by Council, the documents referenced by this agenda item will be submitted to NCDOT as the City’s formal response to the EA.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
N/A
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Request approval of the Resolution and attached comments and backup documentation, as recommended.