30 Yrs After Fed Support Banned, NC Barrier Island Builders Seeking Subsidies, Insurance, More

[hatrack]

EDIT

Congress saw big risks in putting money into this frequently shifting island and hundreds of other coastal areas around the country. However, the Coastal Barrier Resources Act signed into law by President Reagan in 1982 doesn't prohibit local residents from building on these strips of unbroken sand and soggy wetlands.

The law was based on the theory that few would risk developing areas that can't receive government help. It applies to 585 areas around the coastal United States that include more than 3 million acres. There, residents would be on their own. The legal theory doesn't work in some places, including scenic North Topsail Beach. Twenty-one houses are currently being built, or are permitted, along the straight stretch of beach measuring about 10 miles.

Since 2005, 274 houses have been constructed, according to town records, usually 60 feet from the reach of high tide. Supposedly, that gives the owner 30 years before the ocean might lap at the house's pilings under state projections. The state factors in rate of erosion but not the rate of sea-level rise. Thus a big storm surge could come sooner and bite off a big chunk of beach or break right through the island, something that's happened before.

EDIT

Town officials say the U.S. Department of Agriculture has agreed to loan them $16 million to widen the beach and build dunes along the southern part of town, which does not fall within the law's boundary. They believe the agency would finance the rest of the project if those sections now restricted by the law were suddenly eligible for federal help. Town leaders, in turn, think that would spur additional development. And that would confront Congress with a decision to increase its financial responsibilities on a storm-prone island or risk greater losses as the effects of climate change threaten more development.

EDIT

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1059991111

[jollyreaper2112]

1. This is ok

I assume that these are nice, rich, white Americans getting the welfare, or rich brown people. The important thing is none of this is going to the poors.

[BlueToTheBone]

2. Does that "rich brown" mean "rich white people"

with a tan?

[jollyreaper2112]

3. yes

It can even accommodate safe browns like Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan. If you are worth a million dollars or more, you're rich and honorary white. Only the most conservative richies would look down on your being black, brown, red or jewish. No, poor is what cannot be tolerated. Poor and white is good as trash.

[Nihil]

4. Perhaps a corruption investigation is required in this department?

> U.S. Department of Agriculture has agreed to loan them $16 million to widen
> the beach and build dunes along the southern part of town,

Neither the location nor the stated tasks are within the area of responsibility
of the Department of Agriculture so I trust that flags are being raised with regard
to audits and the "connections" that appear to be underpinning this appallingly
short-sighted & wasteful behaviour.

The only new thing that should be constructed with regard to barrier islands
like those mentioned is a big sign on the exit road: a middle finger accompanied
by the words "You're on your own now".

(Same thing for developments in flood plains for that matter.)

[kristopher]

5. Rural development financing is part of USDA's responsibility

Welcome to USDA Rural Development. We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Through our programs, we touch rural America in many ways.

Our financial programs support such essential public facilities and services as water and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, emergency service facilities and electric and telephone service. We promote economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks , credit unions and community-managed lending pools. We offer technical assistance and information to help agricultural producers and cooperatives get started and improve the effectiveness of their operations. We provide technical assistance to help communities undertake community empowerment programs.

USDA Rural Development has a $181.1 billion portfolio of loans and will administer $38 billion in loans, loan guarantees and grants through our programs in the current fiscal year. We achieve our mission by helping rural individuals, communities and businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs.

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/AboutRD.html

Stupid decision, but it is within their area of responsibility.

[Nihil]

6. Thanks for the correction.

I hadn't realised that barrier islands would fit into their remit but I guess that
the "promote economic development" aspect covers it so I was wrong and it
was not "corrupt", just "stupid" and "wasteful".