We believe that if we don't interfere with Dare County's federal project then they will help us with 25 percent of the cost. By the time construction starts in 2008, the County should have around $10 million in the bank with no other projects slated to qualify for funding.

This is all in addition to what property owners are paying now.

We don't know the parameters that the Army Corps of Engineers require for the funding of an emergency project yet, but having said that, it's important that Nags Head begin to look at numbers for a locally-funded project. To be safe we rounded off a projected cost of $30 million for the project knowing that there are always unexpected issues involved.

The money will provide us with the extra things we always wished we could do. You know, the things you don't want to wait until you're 80 to do.

Judy worked for me for years and years and I want to help the family any way I can.

It's OK, there are plenty of other countries, like China, that will be willing to help us.