I just received a copy of the 2012 Army Corp of Engineers dredging schedule for operations out of the Wilmington district.  New River inlet is currently on the schedule but New Topsail Inlet is scheduled for dredging from June 27th through July 12th.  This will be done by the brand new dredge - the Murden, which is die to be placed in service in February. 

I did note that the Merritt is on “standby” all year (no scheduled jobs) so maybe if some more funding comes available they will be able to add New River to the schedule.

Also - the schedule I saw was only for vessels owned by the Corp.  Most dredging associated with beach re-nourishment is done by private vessels contracted by the Corp.  I mention this because North Topsail Beach has funding for a beach re-nourishment project this year.  Maybe that sand will come from New River Inlet.

If I am reading the schedule right,the vessel Snell is scheduled to be at the topsail docks for 10 days in Feb.