Cape Hatteras National Seashore invites public to comment on proposed projects relating to NCDOT passenger ferry service

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore), in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), will host two public meetings in late March to obtain public comments on projects related to a new NCDOT passenger ferry service from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island. Several projects are proposed on park lands and the Seashore has been collaborating with NCDOT on planning to accommodate certain aspects of the passenger ferry project. Specifically, within park boundaries, the Seashore and NCDOT are working on:

1) The location of enhanced parking for passenger ferry vehicles on Hatteras Island,

2) A location for a shade/rain shelter for passenger ferry patrons at the Silver Lake/visitor center area,

3) A possible restroom capacity enhancement at Silver Lake or the  park visitor center area, and

4) A minor modification to the Silver Lake boat docks to accommodate passenger ferry docking and safe maneuverability.

The Seashore will be completing an Environmental Assessment to fully analyze a variety of these proposed project actions. The Seashore would like to invite the public to the following meetings to discuss the proposed actions:

Wednesday, March 29, 5-6 pm – Education Room, Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, 59200 Museum Dr, Hatteras, NC 27943

Thursday, March 30, 11am-12pm – Ocracoke Community Center, 999 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC 27960

The Seashore will be taking public comments at the meetings and online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/caha_NCDOTpassengerferry from March 15 until April 13. Comments can also be mailed to: Superintendent, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, 1401 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954.