OAK ISLAND (AP) — Officials in Brunswick County have been frustrated in their efforts to help a nonprofit group place an artificial reef off Oak Island.

The StarNews of Wilmington reported that Brunswick County commissioners agreed in September to take possession of a surplus Army Corps of Engineers barge to be used for the artificial reef.

The county had to take possession of the barge because rules prohibit direct donation of surplus items to private groups.

Since then, the county has been told that because of the size of the barge, the county must pay $5,000 for it and agree to be responsible for it for at least five years.

That’s prevented the county from taking possession of the barge for the Long Bay Artificial Reef Association.

It’s unclear what will happen next.