Public Review Period Announced for New Passenger Ferry

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. The SUP would authorize NCDOT to construct facilities and provide long-term maintenance of a new passenger ferry system within Seashore boundaries.

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. Currently, they are planning to implement a passenger ferry project to provide a new option for transportation to Cape Hatteras Seashore and the village on Ocracoke Island. In order to operate safely and effectively, the NCDOT has requested a SUP to construct a variety of improvements.  

An SUP would allow for the construction activities to provide appropriate levels of parking, safe and adequate docking facilities, and provide for appropriate shelters for passenger ferry users would enhance the passenger ferry service for park visitors and the two communities on the islands. All proposed improvements are within the footprint of the existing facilities and disturbed areas on Seashore property.

The public review period will be open for 15 days until June 19, 2017. 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.