The Provincetown III passenger ferry visits Ocracoke in 2015. Photo P. Vankevich

June 5, 2017

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) to analyze whether or not to issue a special use permit (SUP) to North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Ferry Division to implement passenger ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke’s Silver Lake Harbor.

For this service, the NCDOT has requested a SUP  to construct facilities and provide long-term maintenance of a new passenger ferry system within Seashore boundaries.

Included in the construction activities would be appropriate levels of parking, safe and adequate docking facilities and appropriate shelters for passenger ferry users.  All proposed improvements are within the footprint of the existing facilities and disturbed areas on Seashore property.

NCDOT has been a partner with the National Park Service in providing transportation services and facilities for park visitors and the communities on both Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands for several decades.  

The public review period will be open for 15 days until June 19. Comments on the EA can be made at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/caha_NCDOTpassengerferry, or mailed to: Superintendent, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, 1401 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954.

 

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