Outer Banks, North Carolina, October 25, 2025
News Summary
The North Carolina General Assembly has approved $7 million to support the state’s ferry transportation system along the Outer Banks, crucial for coastal communities. This funding includes $4 million for shipyard maintenance and $3 million to maintain ferry operations, ensuring no service cuts will occur. Local leaders emphasized the importance of ferries for places like Ocracoke Island, ensuring vital connections for residents and tourists. The funding will also facilitate necessary drydock work for vessels and help improve ferry reliability.
Raleigh, North Carolina –
The North Carolina General Assembly has approved $7 million in funding for the state’s ferry transportation system along the Outer Banks. This financial support is aimed at maintaining shipyard facilities and ensuring continued ferry operations, eliminating proposed service reductions that would have significantly impacted coastal communities.
Local leaders and residents in North Carolina’s coastal regions expressed gratitude for this funding, emphasizing its critical importance. Ferries act as essential lifelines for places like Ocracoke Island, which has a population of fewer than 1,000 permanent residents. The funding allocation includes $4 million designated for shipyard maintenance and $3 million to ensure the stability of ferry operations statewide.
Justin LeBlanc, Executive Director of the Ocracoke Access Alliance, had previously raised concerns about potential reductions in ferry operations due to budget shortfalls that could lead to cuts of between 25% and 50% across various routes statewide. Thanks to this newly approved funding, such reductions will be avoided, and the ferry service can maintain operations at full capacity, which is crucial for residents, tourists, and local workers.
Residents have expressed the necessity of ferry access for daily supplies and business operations on the island. Amy Howard, a lifelong Ocracoke resident, highlighted that this connectivity is vital for sustaining the local economy. The funding will also facilitate much-needed drydock work for vessels and address ongoing marine infrastructure and dredging needs essential for safe ferry operations.
Jed Dixon, director of the NC Ferry Division, noted the importance of the General Assembly’s support, stating that it would prevent reductions in ferry service schedules. The Sea Level vessel, which is critical for the mainland to Ocracoke routes, is anticipated to return to service in spring 2025 due to this funding, further ensuring that transportation links remain intact.
Key legislative leaders, including House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate President Phil Berger, were instrumental in securing this essential financial assistance. Local officials, such as Hyde County Manager Kris Cahoon Noble, worked closely to coordinate efforts and advocate for the maintenance of ferry services.
This funding marks a significant step towards improving long-term ferry reliability and supports the overall economy of North Carolina’s coastal regions. The state ferry system is essential for connecting barrier islands with mainland communities, and this investment underscores the commitment to preserving vital transportation links for residents and visitors alike.
Key Features of the Funding Approval
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Funding | $7 million |
| Shipyard Maintenance Allocation | $4 million |
| Ongoing Operations Allocation | $3 million |
| Potential Service Cuts | 25% to 50% statewide |
| Significance for Ocracoke Island | Critical economic lifeline for residents |
| Return of Sea Level Vessel | Spring 2025 |
FAQ
What is the total amount of funding approved for the ferry system?
$7 million.
How much money is allocated for shipyard maintenance?
$4 million.
What is the purpose of the funding?
The funding is aimed at shipyard maintenance and ensuring continued ferry operations.
Will this funding prevent service reductions?
Yes, it eliminates proposed service reductions to ferry services.
How does this funding impact Ocracoke Island?
Ferries serve as a critical economic lifeline for Ocracoke Island, which has a population of under 1,000 permanent residents.
When is the Sea Level vessel expected to return to service?
The Sea Level vessel is set to return to service in spring 2025.
Who played a role in securing the funding?
Legislative leaders, including House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate President Phil Berger, played a significant role.
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Additional Resources
- WECT: Senate Passes Bill Allocating $7 Million for NC Ferry System
- WorkBoat: North Carolina Allocates $7 Million to Sustain Ferry Operations
- WCTI: NC Assembly Approves $7M to Preserve Vital Outer Banks Ferry Services
- Wikipedia: North Carolina Ferry Division
- Google Search: North Carolina ferry funding 2025
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
