A new report aimed at addressing oceanfront home threats in Rodanthe has been released. The report, which consists of several proposed actions, was put together through a joint effort from state stakeholders.
Oceanfront Home Threats to Be Addressed
As waves relentlessly batter the wooden supports of several homes in Rodanthe, residents are increasingly anxious about the looming risk of these structures collapsing into the ocean, posing significant safety hazards. The pressing question for many in the community is how to prevent these oceanfront homes from succumbing to erosion and becoming public safety risks.
In response to these concerns, a group comprising more than 30 North Carolina stakeholders and federal and local representatives convened three times in 2023 to explore potential solutions. Their efforts culminated in a detailed report titled “Managing Threatened Oceanfront Structures: Ideas from an Interagency Working Group,” which outlines 11 proposed actions — both immediate and long-term — to address the issue.
Understanding the Report
The report’s short-term recommendations include expanding North Carolina’s existing programs designed to acquire, relocate, or remove structures at imminent risk. It also suggests that federal and state agencies could benefit from additional resources and partnerships with local governments to manage these vulnerable properties.
On a broader scale, the report proposes long-term strategies such as establishing a new state-funded program dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by threatened oceanfront structures. Additionally, it encourages beach communities to consider creating their own financial assistance or buy-out programs to address these issues locally.
Insurance Concerns
One recurring theme in discussions about oceanfront properties is the complexity of insurance coverage. Donna Creef, the government affairs director for the Outer Banks Association of Realtors, who contributed to the report, highlighted the challenges homeowners face in securing adequate insurance for properties in flood-prone areas. The National Flood Insurance Program, often the only available option in Dare County, has a coverage cap of $250,000—an amount that usually falls short of the actual value of these homes.
Creef explained that homeowners are caught in a problematic situation when erosion begins to threaten their properties. Despite having flood insurance, they often cannot file a claim until the house has physically collapsed, leaving them in a precarious financial position.
The report’s recommendations include increasing the coverage limit for mitigation efforts to $120,000 and expanding eligibility to include properties at high erosion risk. It emphasizes the need for proactive measures rather than waiting for a collapse.
The report also suggests that federal legislation, like that introduced by Congressman Murphy, could provide a framework for these changes. Local authorities and stakeholders agree that while these ideas are in the preliminary stages, they represent a necessary starting point for addressing Rodanthe’s ongoing oceanfront home threats.
Residents acknowledge the issue’s complexity but stress the importance of taking action before the situation worsens.
