Ward and Smith Helps Surf City Secure Approval for 50-Year Beach Protection Plan

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include details from the August 2026 signing ceremony.

Ward and Smith, PA, is grateful for the opportunity to work with the Town of Surf City to obtain approval for a 50-year Coastal Storm Risk Management protection project for its beach.

Mayor Teresa Batts announced on June 30, “Today’s announcement marks a major milestone for Surf City and the future of our coastline….The approval to move this project forward reflects years of hard work, collaboration and a shared commitment among the US Army Corps of Engineers and our federal, state, county and local partners.“

The US Army Corps of Engineers on the same day stated that the project “is designed to reduce the risk of coastal storm damage through the restoration of the community’s beach and dune system. The project will restore approximately 6 miles of shoreline.”

Ward and Smith’s Government Relations Team worked with the Corps and Congressman David Rouzer to help bring the project to fruition on behalf of Surf City and the Topsail Island Shoreline Protection Commission.

Ward and Smith attorneys Mike McIntyre and Marley Peterson attended a signing ceremony in August marking the formal agreement between the Town of Surf City and the Corps to move the coastal storm risk management project forward. The signing clears the way for construction to begin on the 6-mile beach and dune restoration, which is expected to add roughly 50 feet of shoreline width in places and will be monitored and renourished over the project’s 50-year life. Read more at Coastal Review. Images from the signing ceremony are below.

Ann Durand of TFG, Congressman David Rouzer, Topsail Beach Mayor Frank Braxton,, Surf City Mayor Teresa Batts, and former Congressman Mike McIntyre of Ward and Smith. P.A.

Ann Durand of TFG, Mike McIntyre and Marley Peterson of Ward and Smith, PA

Mayor Teresa Batts and former Congressman Mike McIntyre of Ward and Smith, PA

Signing of Agreement between Mayor Batts and Col Ken Porter, Commander of Wilmington District Corps of Engineers