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Source: U.S. Mike McIntyre (N.C.-7), 3/7/13
U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre has been presented the “Coastal Advocate” Award, the highest honor given for leadership and advocacy on coastal issues, sponsored by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association.
Congressman McIntyre stated, “Our coast is an economic engine and environmental treasure, and I will always do everything I can to help protect it and enhance it. Working together with local coastal communities, we have accomplished some very positive advancements for our coast. Our door remains open to help, and we are 1000% committed to continuing the strong partnership to always for fight for every penny for every pebble of sand!”
McIntyre was cited for his long record of leadership on critical issues throughout his tenure in Congress. Since his 1st term in Congress when he successfully combined three separate Wilmington Port projects into one to save taxpayer money, allow the Port to retain current business, and compete for new business, McIntyre has long supported greater investments to our nation’s coastal and maritime infrastructure and has helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars for the Port and North Carolina coastal projects and communities.
All the beach and waterway projects in Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender have benefitted from McIntyre’s sharp focus on securing resources for the various phases of beach renourishment, dredging of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the small draft shallow inlets that are critical to recreational and commercial boaters.
From successfully advocating for the start up of the Ocean Isle Beach project to securing the Oak Island Turtle preservation project to ensuring that the beaches in Brunswick County, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, Topsail Beach, Surf City, and North Topsail Island receive their funding for sand, McIntyre has worked hand-in-hand with local officials to keep these projects moving forward.
One estimate is that beaches contribute about $225 billion to the U.S. economy, and for every $1 the federal government spent on beach restoration in 2012, it collected an estimated $570 in beach tourist tax revenues.
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