The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has awarded nearly $299,000 through the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) to support eight projects focused on water quality, coastal resilience, habitat protection and community engagement.

The APNEP Citizen Advisory Committee awarded a combined $298,963 in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and DEQ. The grants support projects across the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system, including a living shoreline training program, coastal stewardship initiatives and efforts to improve public understanding of local waterways.

Among the funded projects, the Mid-East Commission Council of Governments received $49,178 for a Beaufort County Living Shoreline Academy. The North Carolina Coastal Federation received $91,600 for a project focused on native landscapes and outdoor classrooms, while East Carolina University received $4,325 to improve trail signage and science communication in eastern North Carolina.

The partnership received a record 29 applications requesting a combined $1.58 million, according to APNEP. The selected projects support priorities outlined in the partnership's Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, including water quality, submerged aquatic vegetation, coastal habitats and community resilience.

APNEP is a partnership between North Carolina and Virginia covering 36 North Carolina counties and 18 Virginia cities and counties. The program is part of the U.S. EPA's National Estuary Program and works to protect and restore the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system.