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			KEY PROJECT Mason Inlet Relocation Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina   PRE-CONSTRUCTION: Note current washing away beach next to resort at left. COMPLETED: Beach restored around resort after inlet move 2,500 feet north.   Services Rendered Inlet Relocation Plans and Design Hydrodynamic Modeling Acquisition of State and Federal Permits Construction Management Services Project Summary Mason Inlet is a natural unstabilized inlet that had migrated to the south along Figure Eight Island over the past 30 years. Since 1985, the migration has resulted in a loss of 2,200 feet of shoreline at the north end of Wrightsville Beach. The ultimate result of the migration of the inlet was the pending loss of the 9-story Shell Island Resort and approximately 650 properties, including single-family homes and several condominium developments. In 1997 design and construction of an emergency geotextile revetment was completed to protect the property. Later, because of imminent danger after a summer wrought with hurricanes, ATM engineers designed a plan to reroute Mason Inlet 2,500 feet north of its current location. The project that was designed included the excavation of a new inlet channel, the realignment of Mason Creek, and the closure of the old Mason Inlet. A large-scale hydrodynamic model showing the possible impacts the move will have on wildlife, fisheries and other biological resources, was completed. During the winter of 2001-2002, ATM began the construction phase of the Mason Inlet Relocation project. The new Mason Inlet was opened on March 7, 2002, and the old inlet was closed by March 14, 2002. In addition to protecting properties on Wrightsville Beach from loss, the Mason Inlet Relocation Project provided sand for beach nourishment at Figure 8 Island. This project prevented the adverse economic impact of a $237 million loss resulting from property and land losses, rental property and hotel revenue losses and tax revenue losses. This value represents the present worth value of these losses over 30 years. Mason Creek was reopened for navigational use and improved flushing of the Middle Sound Estuary. Beaches were restored for public recreational use (swimming, fishing, etc.).