The OAA will hold a community meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday March 31 in the Community Center to discuss its recent work and the prospect of ferry tolls on the Hatteras ferry. Bob Chestnut, chair of the Ocracoke Civic & Business Association, will give an update at the organiztion’s monthly meeting at 6 p.m Tuesday, March 17.
From our news services
Washington, DC — Representatives of the Ocracoke Access Alliance (OAA) traveled to Washington, D.C., this week to meet with members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation regarding potential federal funding to address the long-standing transportation challenges posed by the NC12 “Ocracoke hotspot.”
The hotspot is a two-mile stretch at the north end of the island that has narrowed from erosion and which is frequently washed over by the ocean. Sandbags help keep the ocean on its side.
The delegation met with the offices of U.S. Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis and U.S. Representatives Don Davis and Greg Murphy to discuss two priority projects aimed at improving the reliability and resilience of NC12, the island’s only roadway connection to the mainland ferry system and a critical economic lifeline for residents, visitors and local businesses.
The alliance is seeking federal support for two initiatives:
• $4 million in Community Project Funding for the design, engineering, and construction of a modest road shift of NC-12 approximately 30 feet toward the soundside within the existing right-of-way at the Ocracoke hotspot. This practical interim solution would provide additional room for sandbags, dune building and storm protection measures while longer-term coastal resilience strategies are evaluated.
• $300,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending to conduct a feasibility study on beach nourishment options that could help stabilize the ocean shoreline near the hotspot and reduce the frequency of overwash events that close the highway.
“NC12 is the lifeline of Ocracoke Island,” said Justin LeBlanc, the alliance executive director. “When overwash closes the road, it disrupts travel, tourism, emergency services and commerce. These projects represent practical, cost-effective steps that can significantly improve the reliability of the island’s transportation network.”
The alliance expressed appreciation for the strong local support that has emerged for these initiatives. In particular, the organization thanked Hyde County, the Ocracoke Travel & Tourism Development Authority, and the Ocracoke Occupancy Tax Board for providing letters of support recognizing the importance of addressing the Hotspot.
“Local leaders understand that protecting NC-12 protects the island’s economy, quality of life, and public safety,” LeBlanc noted. “Their support has been invaluable as we work with federal partners to advance solutions.”
The alliance is encouraging residents, property owners, businesses and ferry users who depend on reliable access to the island to express their support for these efforts.
Community members are encouraged to contact:
• Senators Budd and Tillis to express support for funding the $300,000 beach nourishment feasibility study, and
• Representatives Davis and Murphy to support the $4 million NC12 road shift project.
“Strong community voices help demonstrate to Congress that protecting access to Ocracoke Island is a priority not just for residents, but for visitors, businesses, and the broader North Carolina economy,” LeBlanc said.
The OAA is a nonprofit organization formed to push for greater state and federal investment in ferry services, NC12, and other critical infrastructure that ensures safe and reliable access continue working with federal, state, and local partners to advance both near-term and long-term solutions that ensure safe, reliable access to Ocracoke Island.
Senator Thom Tillis: 113 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6342
Senator Ted Budd: 354 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: 202-224-3154
Representative Greg Murphy: 407 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3415
Representative Don Davis:
1123 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3101
