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North Carolina regulators oppose the Army Corps of Engineers' plan to deepen the Cape Fear River shipping channel from 42 to 47 feet due to concerns about sea-level rise, contamination from 'forever chemicals,' and inadequate mitigation for environmental degradation. The six-year, $1.35 billion project aims to bolster the Port of Wilmington's competitiveness but faces criticism regarding its environmental impact on wetlands and marine habitats.

The project is partially funded by federal dollars, with NC taxpayers covering $350 million. The Corps has been reviewing the state’s objections and is working to address the raised concerns.