Pirate Cove Drainage Improvement Project

At a glance

• What: Stormwater drainage improvement project in Pirate Cove subdivision to reduce flooding. Construction contract awarded to East Coast Contracting, Inc. for $1,096,362. Associated interlocal agreement with Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) for reimbursement of water and sewer line relocation costs (up to $257,582).
• Where it stands: All three related resolutions/ordinances approved unanimously October 6, 2026. Project budget approximately $1.4 million with low bid of $1,096,362. Design by McGill consulting.
• Next: Construction to begin after utility relocation; estimated 8-month duration with completion targeted for Fall 2027. Project addresses undersized and failing infrastructure.

Project scope and purpose

• Approximately 0.5-mile corridor within Pirate Cove subdivision
• Improvements to existing drainage system including open channels and piped systems
• Addresses undersized and failing infrastructure
• Stabilizes heavily eroded and incised channels
• Creates access for future maintenance
• Goal: Reduce flooding during heavy rain events

Infrastructure challenges

Existing conditions:

• Heavily developed area on/around Masonboro Loop and Sound Road
• Neighborhoods developed before current stormwater regulations
• High percentage of runoff from existing development in area

Solution components:

• Channel stabilization and erosion control
• Piped system improvements to handle capacity
• Maintenance access improvements
• Future maintenance planning

Funding

Project budget: Approximately $1.4 million
Construction contract: $1,096,362 (East Coast Contracting, Inc.)
CFPUA reimbursement agreement: Up to $257,582 for water/sewer line relocation

Timeline

Duration: Approximately 8 months from start
Estimated completion: Fall 2027
Design firm: McGill

Motion history

October 6, 2026:

• Resolution Authorizing Interlocal Agreement with Cape Fear Public Utility Authority for reimbursement of up to $257,582

  • Motion by Councilmember Joyner
  • Second by Councilmember Lyle
  • Vote: 7-0 (unanimous)

• Ordinance Making Supplemental Appropriation of $257,582 from CFPUA to Stormwater Capital Projects Fund

  • Motion by Councilmember Santaguida
  • Second by Councilmember Clinton-Quintana
  • Vote: 7-0 (unanimous)
  • Second reading waived (motion by Councilmember Clinton-Quintana, seconded by Councilmember Santaguida, 7-0)

• Resolution Awarding Construction Contract to East Coast Contracting, Inc. for $1,096,362

  • Motion by Councilmember Santaguida
  • Second by Mayor Pro-Tem Spears
  • Vote: 7-0 (unanimous)

Sources

• City Council regular meeting minutes, October 6, 2026: https://wilmington.granicus.com/MinutesViewer.php?view_id=25&clip_id=7319&doc_id=d8115ab7-ce3d-11f1-89ef-005056a84798
• Wilmington City website: https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov

Log

2026-10-06 - City Council

Project Manager Rob Baker presented stormwater drainage improvement project addressing flooding in Pirate Cove subdivision. Project includes improvements to undersized and failing infrastructure with focus on channel stabilization and maintenance access. Assistant Director Aaron Beckner addressed Mayor's question about runoff sources (primarily from developed areas on/around Masonboro Loop and Sound Road that were developed before current stormwater regulations). Council approved all three related items (interlocal agreement with CFPUA, supplemental appropriation, and construction contract) unanimously.