Crews have begun preparations for a beach nourishment effort in Buxton that will place about 2 million cubic yards of sand along the oceanfront.
The project comes as erosion continues to threaten homes along the Outer Banks. Officials say as many as 32 homes in Buxton and nearby Rodanthe have collapsed into the ocean since 2020.
Members of the Buxton Civic Association said the arrival of equipment and crews marks an important milestone for the community.
"Here we are. The day has arrived. They are putting pipes on the beach. The jetty crew has shown up. Big old cranes and stuff. It's very exciting," said Jeff Dawson with the Buxton Civic Association.
Dawson said the project, which includes a planned jetty, could provide much-needed protection for the shoreline.
"The insurance of a jetty. I don't think I can state how important that is. I think it's going to do tremendously," Dawson said.
Officials hope the sand pumping project will help reduce erosion and better protect oceanfront properties from future storm damage and rising seas.
MORE: Homes are collapsing in Outer Banks. It could spell trouble for other coastal areas, too