Enough is enough on bridge replacement â Letâs roll!
Monday 12 July 2010 at 3:45 pm. “Write a record of decision, and let’s roll.”That is what Warren Judge, chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, had to say over the weekend about the 20-year effort to replace the aging Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet.
The comment is Judge’s message to the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.
NCDOT conducted a series of informational meetings and public hearings on the Outer Banks last week to answer questions and get public comment on the latest in a long series of environmental studies of its plan to replace the bridge, which is said to be safe for the traveling public but has a sufficiency rating of 2 out of 100. After analyzing comment from the public, interested special interest groups, and agencies, NCDOT and FHWA will decide if the Environmental Assessment it approved in May will do the job of clearing the way to start the bridge project with a record of decision – or if another study, a supplement to the 2008 Final Environmental Impact Statement, will be needed.
If the Environmental Assessment is deemed adequate, a record of decision to proceed with the bridge replacement project would be issued in the fall.
Another study would take at least a year to prepare and would require more comment by agencies and the public. It would mean another long delay in the already too-long-delayed process of replacing a bridge that was opened in 1963 and was predicted to have a 30-year life expectancy.
Obviously, we are 17 years past the bridge’s life expectancy, and the span has been kept open by a number of costly repair projects.
So at last week’s public hearings, about 40 or so people from Dare County spoke – almost all of them begging for a bridge now.
And many of them were hopeful that this would be the last in a long line of environmental studies that began with the release of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement in 1993.
That seems less likely now.
Last week, two comments on the EA came to light.
One is from the Southern Environmental Law Center, which submitted them on behalf of a half dozen other environmental groups.
SELC says the Environmental Assessment won’t meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and a supplement to the Final Environmental Impact Statement is needed.
There is nothing new there.
SELC has favored a 17-mile bridge out into Pamlico Sound which would land in Rodanthe – or ferry service.
However, the other comments on the EA were submitted on June 28 by the U.S. Department of Interior.
These comments are more stunning.
The Department of Interior finds the EA “deficient.”
In fact, it finds the EA more than deficient. It finds it “inadequate.”
DOI says that by selecting the Parallel Bridge with N.C. 12 Transportation Management Plan (PB/TMP), “…the NCDOT and FHWA are deferring decision-making and analysis of the most contentious, expensive, and potentially environmentally damaging part of the project (N.C. 12) to some later date without providing any clear sense that those future phases can be implemented in light of known logistical, financial, and legal constraints.”
The comments go on to say:
“The Department is concerned that this is not an appropriate basis for Federal action. Specifically, we reiterate our previous concern that the NEPA documentation provided to date is not adequate to support decision the Department must make regarding whether, or under what conditions, to issue the necessary Department authorizations….As such, the Department is concerned that the EA description and analysis for the new PB/TMP alternative is inadequate and an SFEIS is warranted.”
The Department of Interior speaks for both the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which must issue permits for the new plan at Bodie Island and on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
To be fair, DOI has raised concerns about the project all along. The main one is whether the project is “compatible” with the goals of the wildlife refuge.
However, this is the first time DOI has come right out and said “NO.”
You can read the DOI comments but sticking points include the fact that the bridge would be built before there are solutions and/or plans for the Highway 12 “hotspots” and that the continuing dispute about refuge compatibility and DOT right of way for the road through the refuge.
Furthermore, the DOI comments criticize the elimination in the EA of the 17-mile bridge or other potential alternatives, such as ferries.
Ferries? That’s a viable alternative?
SELC says so. In fact, it notes Hatteras and Ocracoke existed just fine with ferries before the highway and the bridge were built.
Yes, it’s true. SELC says we can turn the clock back almost 50 years.
The SELC comments sound like a rehearsal of its legal brief, and most folks involved in the bridge replacement think that the environmental groups will sue as soon as they can – which is not until a record of decision is issued.
SELC attorneys also apparently don’t mind being hypocritical when it suits their purposes.
Just a few months ago, SELC submitted comments on the proposed mid-Currituck bridge, a seven mile bridge across the Currituck Sound from the mainland to Corolla.
That bridge, SELC said, should NOT be built, not only because of the development it would bring to the northernmost Outer Banks but because of issues of stormwater runoff from the seven miles of asphalt that would degrade water quality in the sound, fisheries, submerged aquatic vegetation, and the like.
Now SELC is supporting a 17-mile bridge out into the Pamlico Sound – as if that would not affect water quality, fisheries, or aquatic vegetation.
How gullible do these folks think we are?
However, it is the DOI comments that have caused the most stir. It seems very unlikely that NCDOT and FWHA can push forward based on the Environmental Assessment, with DOI’s very strong opposition.
So, are we doomed? Should we send the project back to study again?
Warren Judge says no. He and others think it’s time for a record of decision this year based on the EA.
The court fight is coming, so why postpone it for a few more years?
As he says, “Let’s Roll.”
Beth Midgett, the chairwoman of Dare County’s Citizen’s Committee to Replace the Bridge Now, was on the verge of tears – of anger – over the DOI comments.
“How can they think another environmental study can be productive” she asked. “How can they, in good conscience, put off a bridge for more years? They are playing Russian roulette with our lives.”
Midgett continued, “The health, welfare, and well being of my grandchildren depend on a new bridge….And I want to continue our way of life for myself and for them.”
“They are depriving people of Hatteras Island of their lives, liberty, and pursuit of happiness,” Judge said. “DOI is working for SELC or vice versa.”
“They have no sense of social responsibility,” he added.
Another islander called the folks involved with holding up the bridge yet again “soulless.”
And that is a fair description of the lawyers and bureaucrats who hold islanders, their lives and lifestyles, and their ability to make a living hostage to the National Environmental Policy Act.
It is good to protect the environment and animals. But who speaks for the people?
We who live on Hatteras and Ocracoke live in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
It’s true that the isolation and wild beauty of the islands have been preserved by the federal government.
But it’s now gone way beyond being grateful for just the preservation.
Everywhere we turn, we are faced with the lawyers and bureaucrats who would take away our cultural and historical access to island beaches, who would keep us from having a safe bridge for ourselves and our visitors, who would take away the heritage and livelihoods of our commercial fishermen.
If folks on Hatteras and Ocracoke seem angry, it is because we no longer have control of our future – of our right to live here, of our lifestyle, of our economic future.
We have been rendered powerless.
We are afraid.
And global warming is the least of our enemies.
Enough is enough.
Give us a record of decision on the bridge now. Let’s roll.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To read the Department of Interior comments on the Environmental Assessment, click here.
To read the Southern Environmental Law Center comments on the Environmental Assessment, click here.
To read, the Southern Environmental Law Center comments on the Mid-Currituck Bridge project, click here.
Click here to read more about the Environmental Assessment of the bridge replacement project and the public meetings.
Click here for a timeline on replacing the Bonner Bridger
HOW TO SUBMIT COMMENTS
If you missed the public hearings, you can still submit comments until Aug. 9.
Citizens who did not speak at the meetings but would like to provide comments can mail them to Drew Joyner, Human Environment Unit Head, NCDOT, 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1598. They may also call or e-mail their comments to Drew Joyner at (919) 431-6700 or djoyner@ncdot.gov.
NCDOT, the Federal Highway Administration, and other agencies will review the comments received and then determine if additional environmental studies are needed.
To read the Environmental Assessment and view the project maps, visit the NCDOT Web site or the Outer Banks Task Force Web site. Copies of the Environmental Assessment are also available at the following locations:
• Dare County Planning and Inspections Satellite Office 49815 Highway 12 in Frisco.
• NCDOT Resident Engineer’s Office 349 Waterplant Road, Unit B Manteo
• Dare County Public Library 700 U.S. 64/264 Manteo
• Dare County Public Library 56658 Highway 12 Hatteras
• Dare County Public Library 400 Mustian St. Kill Devil Hills
• Fessenden Recreation Center 46830 Highway 12 Buxton
Copies of the maps are available at the Dare County Planning and Inspections Satellite Office in Frisco and the NCDOT Resident Engineer’s Office in Manteo.
39 comments
Stunning is an understatement.
The adaptive management plan that NCDOT has selected as the preferred alternative resulted from the direction given to them by the United States Department of the Interior!!!!!!!
The press release supporting an immediate parallel replacement with the less urgent latter phases being addressed further down the road is even, today, STILL on
the DOI website!!!!!!
At that time, July 5th 2006, the Secretary of the Interior stated “I believe that the best way to proceed would be to separate the replacement of the Bonner Bridge, a project whose delay could constitute a clear and present safety issue for all concerned, from the more difficult and less urgent issues of the realignment of the road.”
Furthermore, DOI stated at that time “We believe the replacement of the bridge itself could be accomplished in a way which IS COMPATIBLE with the Refuge Act, and other laws, if it is constructed within the same alignment or with minor changes to the current alignment.”
“I PLEDGE THE SUPPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR TO ALLOW REPLACEMENT OF THE BRIDGE”
We have been patiently yet anxiously waiting for the past 4 years for the changes that DOI recommended to be properly studied in the NEPA process. NOW they say, NO?????
Stunned just is not a strong enough word. Sickened to death that these public officers, whose salaries are paid by the sweat of my and your labor, have the audacity to say it is appropriate to call for more study while REAL HUMAN LIVES hang in the balance!
We have waited 4 more years trying to be patient just because we trusted the word of DOI, all the while praying that the engineers were right and that the Bridge could hang on just a bit longer, so far, it has, but how much longer can our luck hold out? I am sick and tired of patience and playing by everyone elseâs rules.
Lawsuit? Hell yes! It is time for one. We have been lied to and our safety has been jeopardized just one day to long. They have picked the wrong folks to battle with. Hatteras Islanders are survivors and we know how to act to protect ourselves.
Step up to the plate NCDOT, call the ball, make a record of decision and BRING IT ON!!!
Beth Midgett (Email ) - 12-07-’10 17:15
In the submarine world DOI gets the following Dolphion Code responses to their comments, particularly after leading all down the primrose path with apparent agreement for the South landing of the bridge indicated in the handout received at the open house. I provide the translation for civilians, skimmers, ground pounders, etc.
23 It’s a pity that in wartime we would be on the same side.
46 After working with you I now realize why some animals eat their young.
Salvo Jimmy (Email ) - 12-07-’10 18:01
Beth Midgett,
I Hear you loud and clear!
JUST BUILD THE FREAKING BRIDGE!!!
SUE EVERYBODY FOR IGNORANCE AND INCOMPETENCE!!!
AND SUE THE PARK SERVICE FOR LOGGERHEAD TURTLE DEATH! ITS THEIR FAULT BECAUSE THEY DONT WANT TO WORK NIGHT SHIFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Of course selc would like ferry service!They only come to HI when they have to…to be tarred and feathered by a populace who has grown to hate them and all they profess to stand for!They don’t have to drive inland for work or medical care!Return the preserve to a recreational area and this problem is solved!
Hawk Hawkins (Email ) - 13-07-’10 07:50
I will simply state that all my relatives and been following this through me and I have instructed them to take my Laptop and my file cabinet to a lawyer immediately after I die when the bridge collapses. they have been instructed to sue the DOI, SELC, NPS, and all related.
P.S. You enviros, I will buy a boat and still fish and spend time in Hatteras after it does collapse. You will never stop us.
Samsdad (Email ) - 13-07-’10 08:44
All of this makes perfect sense because we are living in “OPPOSITE COUNTRY.” If something makes sense, stop, do a 180, then go with it. Seriously, I fear there is no way to beat these people…they are too big and have too much money and will sue forever. They only care about 1 thing and that is Power. We all need to pray, because I think that is the only way to beat them.
Jessie Glovier (URL) - 13-07-’10 09:21
My comments on the new bridge were copied on IFP in its previous blog about the hearings recently held on the proposed changes, etc. The hearing in Buxton ended with my feeling uplifted at the psotive thinking coming from the NCDOT and the speakers present. Then this blog comes out and like the access issue makes all positive thoughts about Hatteras Island’s future and common sense be dragged to the bottom of the ocean where the environmental lawyers hang out with the whale feces and it is hard to tell one from the other.
It is time yes to step forward and put the pilings in the sand and it is time that our legislative leaders both state and federal step to the plate and ask that the US Ayyorney General’s office investigate the connection ofr DOI, Washington and these environmental groups. One only has to look at some of the latest appointments to DOI to see that this connection is more inappropriate than it should be.
Congressman Walter B Jones through hearings and investigation found how corrupt some of NOAA’s law enforcement ahd bee handled there and I feel that should DOI, SELC, Audubon and others be investigated the river of corruption and misconduct would be found to flow as deep as the BP well in the Gulf of Mexico.
But how can we the grassroots common sense people get these investigations to begin?
Frank and Fran (Email ) - 13-07-’10 10:05
I had the same uplift coming away from the Rodanthe open house. See my comments on the other blog as well.
And boy was my concern over sufficiency vs safety a big waste of everone’s time.
SELC et al are always whining about no compromise from the access side.
OK SELC let’s go back nearly 50 yrs to ferries as you advocate. OBTW the compromise is we abide by environmental law, DOI, NPS and FWS rules and policy in place nearly 50 years ago.
Salvo Jimmy (Email ) - 13-07-’10 12:54
Whom do we complain to? Who can send letters to help? DOI is corrupt, so how do we start the investigation? What can layman do?
sohow - 13-07-’10 13:14
The corruption starts at the top, with Obama, and it trickles down from there. The only way to get out of this mess is to elect the right people into office this Novemeber, and get HIM out of office in 2012.
Jessie Glover - 13-07-’10 13:56
IMHO what has happened here is a CHANGE of the guard that has likely dashed all HOPE of near term action to get a bridge going.
The support for separating the bridge from the rest of the route came out of a conservative administration with a more moderate than right leaning. The CHANGE in direction that has dashed HOPE comes out of a liberal administration with a more left than moderate leaning.
Am I being political ??? You Betchum Red Ryder, because I believe that is what this is all about PERIOD
Salvo Jimmy (Email ) - 13-07-’10 14:41
âDOI is working for SELC or vice versa.â
Nice to see the spectre of collusion between these groups brought to light by someone in a position of prominence. I’ve been called a "conspiracy theorist" by some for espousing the same. Nicely played, Commr. Judge!
With a Jarvis as director of the NPS, we should not be at all surprised by this.
Excellent call to arms, Irene! Agreed. Let’s roll….
…some HEADS, that is….
dapster - 13-07-’10 15:18
you guys crack me up. Do you really think you have any say in the matter or can make any diiference?
Ya’ll got a couple of angry letters vs a whole law firm with millions of dollars. Not to mention they got the NPS, USF&W, the DOI, and a Federal Judge on thier side. You guys got a state senator and a county commissoner. Heck, the Gov of NC don’t even care.
I wish you luck, but think ya’ll are wasting your time. The plan to replace the bridge is as dead as a dodo, you will be lucky if they build you a ferry dock.
exbuxtonite - 13-07-’10 16:06
Quote
âThe Department is concerned that this is not an appropriate basis for Federal action. Specifically, we reiterate our previous concern that the NEPA documentation provided to date is not adequate to support decision the Department must make regarding whether, or under what conditions, to issue the necessary Department authorizationsâ¦.As such, the Department is concerned that the EA description and analysis for the new PB/TMP alternative is inadequate and an SFEIS is warranted.â
Seems like DOI talks with forked tongue…why did they not think a SFEIS or a new DEIS were warranted when the new Environmental rule of the Consent Decree severely changed the 2007 Interim CHNSRA Management Plan? They allowed the changes without Public review and comment; furthermore, these changes had significant impact on the Human Environment. This action is in clear violation of NEPA, FAPA, CHNSRA Enabling legislation and Organic Act which specifically states that âThe authorization of activities shall be construed (to the common benefit of all the people of the United States) and the protection, management, and administration of these areas shall be conducted in light of the high public value.â Hippocrates
And by the wayâ¦..
Quote
âThe Department of Interior speaks for both the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which must issue permits for the new plan at Bodie Island and on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
To be fair, DOI has raised concerns about the project all along. The main one is whether the project is âcompatibleâ with the goals of the wildlife refuge.â
Short of an Executive order by FDR in 1938, what official Congressional law (required by US Constitution, Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 for property owned by the United States) ever established Pea Island as a national Wildlife refuge? If you tell me the CHNSRA Enabling Legislation, then see item 1 above, then âThe authorization of activities shall be construed (to the common benefit of all the people of the United States) and the protection, management, and administration of these areas shall be conducted in light of the high public value.â Delaying a bridge with a safety factor of 2 out of 100 for going on 17 years is not, I repeat, is not âIn the light of high public value.â
There needs to be a congressional investigation, this is criminal
Scott Lambright (Email ) - 13-07-’10 17:35
It is time for HI to secede from the Union. We are our own self-supporting entity anyway. With the amount of tax money that we send to the Feds & the State, we can subcontract the defense of our sovereignty. Infrastructure costs would be paid by local funds with local or subcontracted workers doing the work. We can turn our tourism board into an international tourism offcie. We can trade our services and products with the US and tariff them if they try to import low cost junk to drive us out of business. Nobody cares about us now, because we just send our tax money to them rather than risk jail. Then they use the money to build roads, schools, and health care facilities in foreign countries, so that our businesses can destroy their environments. No SELC nonsense in Third World countries, until they get smart and try to throw them out. Then our tax money sends our children to die or be maimed to protect their ventures. Time for a change. Let me know if your in.
BILL O (Email ) - 13-07-’10 17:51
exbuxtonite,
With all due respect, please either:
Lead
Follow
or
STFU
There’s enough negativity to go around.
dapster - 13-07-’10 21:41
OK Dapster. I will wish good thoughts and hope for rainbows and unicorns.
Without a multi-million dollar war-chest you’re screwed. The politicos are in the pocket of the enviros, bought and paid for.
Wishfull thinking, public comment meetings, and being nice sure worked out well for keeping the beaches open.
exbuxtonite - 13-07-’10 22:38
Buh-bye, now.
May you wreak misery on wherever/whomever it is your ex-buxton arse has landed. Good riddance.
One day, you might just lose something you hold dear……
dapster - 13-07-’10 23:14
Investment versus Return.
Hundreds of millions spent on a bridge for 4000 year round residents. I had 3700 people in my high school.
I support and love Hatteras and Ocracoke, but there is NO way you’ll ever see that bridge.
Combine the money spent with the money it’ll take to repair the Islands after the next major storm and the answer is. It’s not happening. Izzy inlet cost millions to repair and after the next big storm there will be several inlets and a ridiculous amount of property and infastructure damge and loss.
The goverment is slowly and silently cutting its ties with areas that cost more to keep going then they are worth. Especially where the year round population would not fill the Norfolk Scope.
The Island is weakening, the sand dunes are failing and shrinking, the McMansions cost more in insurance then they are worth and the tourist dollar is inconsistant. This game is almost over.
The money generated for the state and federal goverment on Hatteras and Ocracoke is only good if there is no storms for 15 years, which doesn’t happen.
The fact that these islands now see millions in damages from the smallest NE storms has put the writing on the wall for the goverment.
The DOI run around is just a pony show for saying “It’s not going to happen”
A grass roots movement doesn’t stand a prayer, unless you increase you residency by a half million people. And, a giant war chest would be better spent on replacing the bridge youselves, then fighting the goverment over this assured loser.
Fight, but don’t be surprised by the outcome.
Enjoy the time you have left in this beautiful place, create and record you memories. Sooner or later that is all Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands will be for its residents.
Sorry to be the A-hole, but it’s not that hard to figure out why you are being treated this way and why it has been like this from the beginning.
Reality - 14-07-’10 07:45
The DOI, particularly FWS and Forest Service, have a long history of holding up highway and bridge jobs over RTE species and habitat concerns, often with no science backing it up(sound familiar?). They get a lot of help from NGOs and others looking for a cause. This has occurred mostly since inception of the ESA and doesnât seem to matter what the presidential administration looks like.
Thankfully, FHWA can say âok, we appreciate your comments DOI, but weâre moving forward with the parallel span.â
Will there be a lawsuit by some environmental opportunists. Sure! But they arenât as effective suing federal and state transportation agencies as they are when they âgo afterâ (wink, wink) their chums at the DOI branches.
Also, Scott has pointed out what may truly be our rallying cry. The DOI and its partners are regularly contradicting themselves on rule and policy that is very inter-related in a small geographic area. This arbitrary decision making needs to be exposed and hammered home repeatedly.
Iâve heard folks make the football analogy about the pseudo-environmentalists like SELC finding a hole and keep running the same play. We may have just found our holeâ¦â¦letâs open it up!
Dave Vachet - 14-07-’10 09:01
Iâve been impressed with the reader and citizen response to Ireneâs bridge blog. I am 100% supportive of Beth Midgett and Warren Judge, they are my kind citizens working for the well-being of their community and really for all of us who seek safe access to our national seashore.
Scott has framed the response strategy pretty well. I add that only fools would ignore the fact that every day a new bridge is delayed, the risk to public safety increases. And yet, in both the SELC and DOI comments, public safety is completely ignored. Their lack of concern for the well-being of humans is the height of social irresponsibility. After 17 years of study, there is no evidence of environmental harm caused by the short bridge that DOT has proposed. Additional study will produce nothing new. Yes, âenough is enough.â Protection of public safety far outweighs any baseless claim of environmental benefit.
DOI concludes, âCoastal and climate change experts are informing us that the barrier island system will be changing at an accelerating rate and the changes will be largely storm driven. To meet the challenge of maintaining safe, efficient transportation on the Outer Banks in a changing climate, leadership and careful planning and decision-making is required now, not later.â
I would love to meet these âexperts,â whoever they are, in open public forum and discuss their data, if it exists. I would remind them and DOI that climate on planet Earth has changed for the past 4.6 billion years and there is absolutely nothing new in the fact that changes on the barrier island system are continuous, and storm driven. Multi-year changes cannot be predicted with any level of accuracy especially using models.
Constant, unpredictably change is precisely why we need an adaptive management strategy and not an extraordinarily unnecessary and expensive 17 mile fixed bridge that would be virtually impossible to maintain in the face of reoccurring storms of varying magnitudes, and ever changing environmental conditions. I can envision far more negative environmental impact of a long bridge than a short bridge, especially if sections of the bridge fail in a storm. The first rule of messes, âDonât make a mess, that way you wonât have clean it up.â
I would also like to know who specifically the DOI policymaker is that decided to align the federal government with the environmental activists trying to delay the bridge so that he and the Secretary of Interior can explain to the citizens of the Outer Banks why DOI ignores concern for public safety.
I encourage everyone to give their full support to Warren Judge and Beth Midgett and to encourage the State of North Carolina to move forward the bridge without delay in the interest of public safety and to not hesitate to fight the irresponsible delay tactics of DOI and SELC.
Dr Mike Berry
Chapel Hill, NC
I thank all of you who are contributing to this very good discussion of our need for a new bridge — NOW.
I want to share with you that I have heard from Schorr Johnson, who is communications director for Sen. Marc Basnight, president pro tempore of the N.C. Senate.
Here is what Johnson said about the DOI comments on the Environmental Assessment:
“While these comments from the Department of the Interior are not constructive, NCDOT tells Sen. Basnight’s office that the Federal Highway Administration is ultimately in charge and there is no indication that there are any new delays or additional studies needed. …..As the public hearings have shown, people overwhelmingly prefer the parallel bridge and NCDOT is moving forward in that regard.”
“The DOI letter,” he added, “sounded worse than we think it is.”
Even so, keep sending your comments to NCDOT. You can send more than one set of comments.
Again, public comment is open until Aug. 9.
Citizens (residents and visitors) can mail comments to Drew Joyner, Human Environment Unit Head, NCDOT, 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1598. They may also call or e-mail their comments to Drew Joyner at (919) 431-6700 or djoyner@ncdot.gov.
Irene
Irene (Email ) - 14-07-’10 16:53
I have two important questions, does anybody know, I am seeking to understand, and feel is important to this thread issue and other issue’s wrt CHNSRA.
1) How many acreâs of land and waters, and what were the specific locations, did the Secretary of Agriculture have legal title to, and was officially designated in writing as a âMigratory Bird Refugeâ on or after August 17, 1937 within CHNSRA?
2) What legal documents authorized this if any?
Any input would be greatly appreciated. In my research, I can not find anything. You can email me if you do not want to respond here.
Scott Lambright (Email ) - 14-07-’10 18:20
Isn’t it interesting that the latest thing posted on the Pea Island site re the bridge is this
http://www.fws.gov/peaisland/images/Rich..
Salvo Jimmy (Email ) - 14-07-’10 22:07
NCDOT moving forward will only last until a lawsuit with an injunction is filed.
However, if you would like to see that bridge built faster then you can say SELC.
Just let Duke Power move forward with their windmill farm.
Have a multi billion dollar project that is throwing tons of money in the state and federal pockets. A project that meets the goverment’s new energy policy. A project backed by a power company that has more lobbiest than all the enviromentalist put together.
See how fast this stuff gets done then.
I think Mrs. Midgett should be given a medal for her endless pursuit of the Replacing of the Bridge and I hope her work isn’t in vein.
But, as long as the DOI has other vocal and written ideas, the enviromental groups will use this to stop the forward movement of this project. And, I wonder just which judge will hear it?
The Audobon Society had one of there own monitoring with GPS every move made by NCDOT, when repairing Highway 12 in December 09. They made sure that not one inch of land was taken, other then what had been granted by USFWS and the AS was not happy about that.
The DOI has proven time and time again in the CHNSRA that they are incapable of working with the community. They deflect further contempt with the local and visiting population by utilizing their enviromental soldiers. Who, are well funded and have amassed a great deal of political power. A group of people who have spent years acquiring the flood and damage photos along Highway 12 between the Bonner Bridge and Rodanthe. Groups whose lawsuits are already drawn up and waiting for the final go ahead signatures.
Reality - 15-07-’10 04:33
Reality said:
"The Audobon Society had one of there own monitoring with GPS every move made by NCDOT, when repairing Highway 12 in December 09. They made sure that not one inch of land was taken, other then what had been granted by USFWS and the AS was not happy about that."
Two serious questions:
What authority does AS have over NCDOT?
Where can you find GPS equipment with 1 inch accuracy?
commerical GPS units used for surveying are accutate to inches
A small amount of the wildlife refugee was lost to the NCDOT when 12 was moved at the S-curves. AS was checking to make sure no extra land was taken.
Thanks you Reality for clearly articulating what many of us feel is the ultimate fate of Hatteras Island
exbuxtonite - 15-07-’10 10:08
As a person who was hired by Irene to cover the hwy 12 disaster last year and spent a week up there covering it— I can testify to the fact that the AS did have a person on the ground there. They were walking with a gps over top of the proposed move and taking numerous photos of the damage road.
Oh-yeh..they definately intend to sue and will try to stop with an injunction. Wether they get it or not, is the big Question.
I can also tell you that myself and 2 others were present when a USFWS employeee said that the road would never be moved again for any reason. If I’d only had the camera running when they said it..
The only hope is to reach the President and get his attention.. And—NO..it will not matter if it is Democratic or a Republican President. This mess has gone on through the eras of both political party’s leadership and neither have done a damn thing to help thus far.
Rob Alderman - 15-07-’10 10:52
The president doesn’t care about anything except his radical/progressive agenda. So good luck with trying to get him to care about our bridge.
anonymous - 15-07-’10 11:58
I totally understand the thoughts of those that feel as if ours is a hopeless cause, the endless objections and barriers do feel unsurmountable at times. That being said, we can not expect others to fight for us if we won’t fight for ourselves.
Dave Vachet points out a very valid fact when he stated:
“Thankfully, FHWA can say âok, we appreciate your comments DOI, but weâre moving forward with the parallel span.â
Will there be a lawsuit by some environmental opportunists. Sure! But they arenât as effective suing federal and state transportation agencies as they are when they âgo afterâ (wink, wink) their chums at the DOI branches.”
We need to move forward to a record of decision. We will be involved in a lawsuit. The alternative is more endless enviro studies and we know that progress CANNOT be found via that avenue. In the venue of the courts, in my opinion, we have at least a fighting chance of getting the fact that this is a public safety issue to the forefront where it should have been all along.
You MUST, please, not give up, but tell everyone you can to submit comments to NCDOT in support of the phased approach, with transportation management plan and against further study. I just heard from NCDOT that we have around 2050 comments to date, we need to triple that (at least) to make the proper impression.
http://www.replacethebridgenow.com/pub_c..
You can comment multiple times as new ideas come to light.
Thanks for all the support here!
Beth Midgett (Email ) - 15-07-’10 12:10
Maybe if Dare County withholds ALL of its TAX revenue, someone will listen.. Then we can purchase our own bridge.. JAM
JAM (Email ) - 15-07-’10 18:11
"You MUST, please, not give up, but tell everyone you can to submit comments to NCDOT in support of the phased approach, with transportation management plan and against further study. I just heard from NCDOT that we have around 2050 comments to date, we need to triple that (at least) to make the proper impression."
Thanks you Beth for clearly articulating what many of us feel can be the ultimate fate of Hatteras Island if we are diligent, and to not accept the advice of those who have already thrown in the towel, and would ask us to follow suit.
Let’s Roll……..
dapster - 16-07-’10 12:34
Dap, those folks here haven’t thrown in the towel. They’re merely here to attempt to discourage the rest of us. We’ve seen it before…..They might all be Ray posting as different people. Who knows…
Oh, I researched the GPS question. There are some very expensive units that are capable of measuring points within inches. The only rub is you must stand in one place for 5-20 minutes to get the accurate measurement.
Dave Vachet - 16-07-’10 15:38
My thoughts too, Dave, just giving “them” the benefit of the doubt.
…and the opportunity to prove themselves otherwise, which has not occurred to date.
After previously finding the likes of Rylander in our midst on other forums, nothing would surprise me.
dapster - 16-07-’10 16:27
exbuxtonite,I believe we have one other powerful thing on our side…“right” (vs.“wrong”).
Hawk Hawkins (Email ) - 16-07-’10 16:42
Please, help get the word out!!
Calling all Hatteras and Ocracoke Island Mothers!
An organizational meeting is being held Thursday, July 22 at 6:30pm at the Hatteras Village Civic Center.
A group of mothers concerned about the future safety of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet is organizing. We urgently need Hatteras and Ocracoke Island mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, and even great grandmothers to help with this effort.
The goal of the group is to help get the message out that the mothers (of all types) on these Islands are desperate to have the safety issue of the replacement of the bridge resolved so that their loved ones lives can be protected.
Their preliminary action plan is a âMothers appeal to the nationâs â First Motherâ, Michelle Obamaâ.
This will be, primarily, a letter writing campaign. Also, video taped appeals will be collected from mothers on the two Islands. The communications will be centered around the womenâs fears for the future safety of their children and grandchildren. Already, as mothers, they are anxious to cross a bridge with a safety rating of a 4 out of 100. However, they are truly fearful of the consequences of further delay since engineers have said it is essential to replace the structure by 2016.
Time has run out, we need to act now with no further delay to secure our lifeline in a timely manner.
The letters will illustrate the personal story of how each mother feels about the public safety threat the bridge poses her children. The letters should share real life scenarios of how their individual family lives would be affected/disrupted if their lifeline was cutâ¦how the mothers feel about carrying their children over the bridge and their deepest fears. The more personal each story is, the better and each letter should have photos of the children attached to them.
This will not be a rant against those who oppose, rather a pure and truthful message of our fears for the safety of our loved ones, those most precious to us.
After the appeals are gathered, goal being at least 250 letters, we will be asking Governor Beverly Perdue, as âFirst Mother of North Carolinaâ to deliver them to the White House on their behalf.
We are hopeful our heartfelt message will bring national attention to our plight and impress upon all involved in the decision making that this issue, at is very essence, simply a matter of public safety. The defense and protection of human life, of our childrenâs lives, should trump all.
We would like as many women to attend as possible, next Thursday (July 22, 2010) at 6:30pm at the Hatteras Village Civic Center. Bring a friend, or many!
We also hope to have an interpreter on hand to assist our Hispanic population in making sure their concerns are also shared.
All mothers together, all protecting our children.
For questions or to help volunteer before the meeting, please e-mail Beth Midgett bethm@midgettrealty.com or call 252-996-0133.
Beth Midgett (Email ) - 16-07-’10 17:34
The DOI will never let that bridge be rebuilt. They are using the SELC and eco-groups to push their agenda of no humans on Hatteras Island. With more and more beach closures, peirs not being rebuilt, heavy handed law enforcement, and general economic dcecline, in 30 years HatterasIsland will look like Portsmith Island. Our grandkids may someday be able to pay to take the NPS ferry across Oergon Inlet, then ride the NPS shuttle bus to tour the 7 ghost villages and then climb the lighthouse to see Cape Point. Make sure you are back to the shuttle by 5, because the island closes at dark.
exbuxtonite - 12-07-’10 16:47