Dare County, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The Dare County Tourism Board has approved a $3.3 million soundside boardwalk project at the Soundside Event Site to enhance local tourism. The contractor, Millstone Marine Construction, will build a walkway, pergola, and provide boat slips. Despite having one bid submitted, the project awaits legal review and final approval by county commissioners. Recent tourism statistics reveal Dare County’s significant economic impact, attracting $2.1 billion in direct spending and creating over 12,000 tourism jobs.
Dare County Tourism Board Approves Boardwalk Construction and Discusses Tourism Impact Study
The Dare County Tourism Board convened on August 28, having postponed earlier meetings due to adverse weather conditions, and approved a significant construction project to enhance local tourism. They sanctioned a bid from Millstone Marine Construction, Inc. for a soundside boardwalk project at the Soundside Event Site, totaling $3,339,235. The project will feature a sound access walkway, a pathway leading to a pergola, and dedicated boat slips.
Millstone Marine Construction was the only contractor to submit bids in both rounds of the bidding process. However, completion of the construction project is contingent upon legal review and final approval from Dare County commissioners before any work can start.
During the meeting, the tourism board’s executive director, Lee Nettles, shared notable statistics regarding tourism in Dare County. In 2024, the county recorded $2.1 billion in direct tourism spending, positioning it fourth in the state behind Mecklenburg, Wake, and Buncombe counties. Additionally, a recent North Carolina County by County Tourism Impact study reported a record statewide total of $36.7 billion in visitor spending, with 71 out of the 100 counties in North Carolina experiencing year-over-year growth.
This year has also seen an increase in tourism employment, with a 1.4 percent rise statewide, accounting for a total of 230,338 jobs, including 12,260 jobs specifically in Dare County. Moreover, tax revenue from tourists in Dare County has surpassed $147 million, which translates to an approximate $3,860 tax savings per resident, highlighting the critical economic impact of tourism on the local community.
Nettles emphasized the fundamental role of tourism dollars in enabling the board to provide substantial grants that support local initiatives. The meeting also featured Chris Sawin, president and CEO of Outer Banks Community Foundation, who introduced the Trusted Partner Program. This initiative aims to offer assistance for disaster recovery both before and after storms, and includes grant-making agreements with various nonprofit recovery organizations, thereby encouraging community engagement in recovery efforts.
Current financial trends indicate an 11 percent year-to-date drop in occupancy tax. However, total receipts still reflect a modest increase of 1.5 percent, with meal tax collections witnessing a 4 percent rise and retail revenues increasing by 8 percent in May.
Looking ahead, Volunteer Week is set for October 11-18, featuring activities to recognize the contributions of volunteers. Additionally, the 11th annual OBX Tourism Summit will take place on November 6 in Hatteras Village. The next meeting of the Dare County Tourism Board is scheduled for September 18 at 9 a.m. in Manteo, continuing their focus on promoting tourism as a vital component of the region’s economy and community support.
FAQ Section
What is the total cost of the boardwalk construction project approved by the Dare County Tourism Board?
The total cost is $3,339,235.
What enhancements will the boardwalk project include?
The project will feature a sound access walkway, a walkway to a pergola, and boat slips.
Who was the contractor for the boardwalk project?
The contractor approved for the project is Millstone Marine Construction, Inc.
How much did Dare County earn from tourism in 2024?
Dare County had $2.1 billion in direct tourism spending in 2024.
What is the current status of tourism employment in Dare County?
There are 12,260 jobs in Dare County related to tourism.
When is the next Dare County Tourism Board meeting scheduled?
The next meeting is scheduled for September 18 at 9 a.m. in Manteo.
Key Features of the Boardwalk Project and Tourism Statistics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Construction Cost | $3,339,235 |
| Contractor | Millstone Marine Construction, Inc. |
| Projected Enhancements | Sound access walkway, pergola walkway, boat slips |
| Tourism Revenue (2024) | $2.1 billion |
| Tourism Jobs (Dare County) | 12,260 |
| Occupancy Tax Change | 11% drop year-to-date |
| Volunteer Week | October 11-18 |
| Next Meeting | September 18 at 9 a.m. |
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Additional Resources
- The Coastland Times: Dare County Tourism Board Approves Boardwalk Construction
- WTKR News: Currituck Co. Travel and Tourism Rebranding
- Business North Carolina: Reshaping Tourism and Travel
- The Coastland Times: Dare Tourism Board Reviews Boardwalk Project
- Travel and Tour World: Dare Tourism Board Greenlights Major Boardwalk Project
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.
