The Ocracoke Observer is taking a survey regarding possible loss of a priority, to take it, click here.
Hyde County has set up a webpage detailing the efforts available to comment on the imposition of tolls and to fight the possible loss of residential priority loading in the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route.
Under North Carolina Session Law 2026-41, the N.C. General Assembly in late June passed a mandate requiring the NCDOT Ferry Division to begin collecting tolls on all ferry routes by January 1.
This includes four routes that have historically been free: Hatteras-Ocracoke, Currituck-Knotts Island, Bayview-Aurora, and Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach.
“The sudden imposition of these costs poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of local residents and the stability of our coastal communities,” the website says. “Furthermore, because the new legislation does not grant the NCDOT authority to issue resident priority passes, Ocracoke residents face the devastating loss of priority boarding. This is a vital lifeline our community has relied upon for over 40 years to access essential medical care, schooling, and daily necessities.”
The webpage is separate from hydecountync.gov and can be found here. It includes the resolutions the Hyde County commissioners approved on Sept. 2.
One resolution joins eight other coastal counties calling on Gov. Josh Stein and the NCDOT to waive all tolls for locally registered vehicles.
The other resolution asks the NC General Assembly to allow residential priority passes.
“Ferries serve as a lifeline connection for Ocracoke families, being the only way to transport vehicles, home repair supplies and everyday necessities onto the isolated island,” the Hyde resolution says.
The website also has links to both chambers of the N.C. General Assembly, Gov. Stein and the NCDOT Board of Transportation members.
It also has a link to a petition to ask the North Carolina General Assembly to amend state law to authorize the North Carolina Ferry Division to issue a priority pass to full-time residents of Ocracoke Island.
The website calls for residents and visitors to Ocracoke Island to speak up and contact state decision makers.
“Tell them exactly how the loss of a free, priority marine highway will impact your family, your business, and your health,” the website says.