Ahtna Marine & Construction Company (AMCC) proudly announces the successful completion of the Mason’s Inlet dredging and beach renourishment project for New Hanover County in North Carolina. This project, undertaken in collaboration with New Hanover County, aimed to address erosion issues along the southern portion of Figure Eight Island near Wilmington, NC. The initiative not only involved the vital maintenance dredging of Mason’s Inlet but also included beach renourishment services using dredged material, thereby safeguarding beachfront properties and enhancing habitat during sea turtle nesting season.
The project, initiated strategically in January to minimize disruptions during the peak holiday break period, utilized two Cutter Suction Dredges operating round the clock. AMCC successfully extracted over 500,000 cubic yards of material from the inlet onto the beach, fulfilling all bid quantities and adhering to Figure Eight Island’s design template. The scope of work encompassed comprehensive beach grading and diligent monitoring for environmental concerns.
In the midst of this substantial undertaking, AMCC received heartening feedback from a local resident, underscoring the positive impact of their work on the community. The resident, whose family frequently enjoys recreational activities around Mason’s Inlet, expressed gratitude for the project’s progress and singled out one of AMCC’s employees, Dave Martin, for commendation.
Dave Martin’s interactions with the resident’s family while they frequented the beaches around the inlet left a lasting impression. Described as a true ambassador of AMCC and its mission, Martin went above and beyond, engaging with the resident’s children, answering their questions about the project, and fostering a sense of connection between the community and the work being done.
The resident, Danny Sorrells, had this to say: “As I’m sure you are aware, the inlet has experienced some serious changes over the last few years, making access to it almost impossible during low tides. So, my family was VERY excited to see your crew arrive earlier in the year, and we’ve enjoyed seeing both the process and progress! We’ve encountered one of your employees, Dave Martin, a number of times now while walking the beaches around the inlet, and it is our interactions with him that has me reaching out. Dave has been a true ambassador of your company and the work involved – always stopping to chat with my family, answering my kids MANY questions about the project, and just being an overall kind and friendly human being. My kids have asked several times now if they can go “find Dave” to ask questions about the project…Thanks for your great work here in Wilmington and if you can help make sure this note and our thanks finds its way back to Dave and others involved, I’d greatly appreciate it!”
Danny’s message not only acknowledges the tangible benefits of the project but also highlights the intangible value of fostering positive relationships within the community. As AMCC celebrates the successful completion of the Mason’s Inlet project, it is stories like these that underscore the profound impact of their work beyond the confines of dredging and renourishment. They serve as reminders of the importance of empathy, communication, and genuine engagement in every endeavor, leaving a legacy of not just restored beaches, but also strengthened communities.
