The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued the following press release on Monday, March 31.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, announced on Monday that the Restoration Advisory Board membership has been established and the first meeting is scheduled for April 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., for the Buxton Naval Facility, a Formerly Used Defense Sites Program property located within the Cape Hatteras Seashore in Dare County, North Carolina.
The RAB meeting will be held at the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club, 47231 Light Plant Road, Buxton, NC 27920.
The RAB selection panel, composed of community members and local and state government officials, met with the Savannah District’s representatives Feb. 19, 2025, to nominate board members from a list of community participants who submitted a survey response acknowledging an interest in and availability to serve as a RAB member.
After receiving the initial slate of nominations for RAB membership, the Savannah District commander concluded the list did not fully represent the community. The RAB selection panel subsequently considered additional individuals and submitted a second list of nominees for RAB membership.
The commander concurred with the RAB selection panel’s nominations March 25, 2025, determining that the second slate of nominees will fairly represent the diverse interests of the local community.
“Now that the RAB membership has been established, we can focus on the business of the RAB,” said Sara Keisler, USACE, Savannah District FUDS Program manager. “We’re excited for the RAB’s first meeting, and in the coming days, the USACE co-chair will coordinate with the RAB members about the first meeting that is set to take place April 10, 2025.
Also in the works is the comprehensive soil and groundwater sampling work plan. A contract was awarded Nov. 14, 2024, and the kick-off meeting was held Dec. 6, 2024. The District’s FUDS team continues to review the work plan and associated documents in preparation for the field efforts.
Currently, discussions on the project approach have led to an unanticipated delay in developing and accepting the work plan. However, reviews and discussions will continue and once a workplan has been accepted by the team, then the plan will be reviewed by other stakeholder agencies, which could take 60-90 days before a final work plan is accepted and fieldwork can commence.
