CHNS seeks public input on proposed improvements to Oregon Inlet Marina

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) is pleased to announce that they are working with their lessee at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, Oregon Inlet Marinas, LLC, to develop strategies to replace vulnerable structures and conduct site improvements at the marina.

As such, members of the public are invited to provide input via https://parkplanning.nps.gov/oregon_inlet_fishingcenter by January 10, 2020.

An overview of the marina, as well as key issues regarding the facilities, are listed below.

Overview of Oregon Inlet Marina (Fishing Center):

Oregon Inlet Marina is located at 98 NC 12 Nags Head, NC 27959 in the Bodie Island district of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, just north of the Marc Basnight Bridge. The marina premises include a 60-slip marina, seven buildings, approximately 7.4 acres of upland and submerged land, parking lots, and fuel system for vessels and vehicles. The marina is adjacent to the National Park Service public boat ramp and U.S. Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet.

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is managed by Oregon Inlet Marinas, LLC under a 20-year lease with the National Park Service (2018 – 2038). In general, the Fishing Center provides: marina slip rentals for charter fishing boats, headboats, and tour boats; booking services for charter fishing and other boats; retail sales; and food & beverage sales.  The Fishing Center is also authorized to provide: non-motorized watercraft rentals (such as kayaks and canoes); special events, such as fishing tournaments; and a children’s play area.

Purpose:

The Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is world-renowned and provides a premier charter fishing experience on the east coast of the United States. The marina facilities and premises that support these services have not been substantially improved or updated in decades. The National Park Service and our lessee, Oregon Inlet Marinas, LLC, seek to replace the existing, deteriorating structures with modern, sustainable buildings that are adapted to sea level rise and storm surge, as well as make additional improvements to the premises.

Key Issues:

• The main marina building was constructed 1963 – 1964 and all of the buildings within the marina are in poor condition and vulnerable to storm surge and sea level rise
• The location of the marine fuel docks causes traffic congestion and safety hazards
• The existing improved parking areas are inadequate to meet customer, visitor, and employee needs

DRAFT Strategies:

• Replace buildings with sustainable, energy-efficient, and elevated buildings
• Replace existing marine fuel pumps with in-slip fueling and a transient fuel dock
• Formalize overflow parking area

Estimated Project Timeline

Now – Fall 2020: conduct project planning and environmental compliance

Fall 2020: begin construction and improvement projects

Early 2022: complete construction and improvement projects