News Summary
The North Carolina Senate has proposed toll fees for ferry routes statewide, prompting backlash from local residents and officials. The budget, which was recently passed by the Senate, suggests variable tolls based on route and vehicle size. While some state lawmakers argue tolls are necessary to fund transportation, local communities fear economic hardships and a decline in tourism. Discussions have been ongoing since 2011, with the sentiment largely against implementing the tolls.
North Carolina Senate Proposes Tolls for All Ferry Routes, Igniting Local Backlash
Raleigh, North Carolina – The North Carolina Senate has proposed implementing toll fees on all ferry routes across the state, a move that has sparked significant opposition from local residents and officials. The budget proposal, which includes the toll plan, was passed by the Senate earlier this month and is now set to be reviewed by the House for approval.
If enacted, the new toll structure would introduce fees for vehicles using ferry services, many of which are currently free. Passengers traveling on the ferries would not pay a separate fee if traveling in a vehicle. To ease the financial burden, the proposal suggests an annual commuter pass priced at $150, which would also be available to vehicles transporting goods and services at the same cost.
The proposed toll rates vary by ferry route and vehicle size. For instance, the Bayview-Aurora route would charge $3 for cars under 20 feet and $6 for larger vehicles. In contrast, the Hatteras-Ocracoke route would impose a hefty $20 fee for smaller vehicles and $40 for larger ones. Specific tolls for other routes include:
- Cherry Branch-Minnesott: $5 for vehicles under 20 feet, $10 for larger vehicles.
- Currituck-Knotts Island: $3 for vehicles under 20 feet, $6 for larger vehicles.
- Cedar Island-Ocracoke/Swan Quarter-Ocracoke: $30 for vehicles under 20 feet, $60 for larger vehicles.
- Ocracoke Express (passenger-only): $15 per person.
- Southport-Fort Fisher: $10 for vehicles under 20 feet, $20 for larger vehicles.
This toll initiative has faced staunch opposition from the community, with residents voicing concerns about the economic impact of toll fees on their daily lives. Many depend on these ferries to access jobs, medical care, and essential services. Local officials argue that the ferry system should remain funded through state taxes, akin to highways. They emphasize that substantial tax revenues support critical services and functions in their region.
The ongoing discussions about ferry tolls date back to 2011 and have consistently encountered resistance from affected communities. Some state lawmakers, however, advocate for tolls to help generate revenue for the state’s transportation department, which has been experiencing funding challenges.
The North Carolina ferry system is the nation’s second-largest state-run network, facilitating over 700,000 vehicles and approximately 1.5 million passengers annually. It is responsible for an economic impact estimated at over $735 million in gross business sales, contributing more than $32 million in tax revenue each year. The budget proposal aims to channel toll revenue into the Ferry Capital Fund, which will be used for vessel replacement and maintenance.
Concerns have emerged regarding how tolls might negatively affect tourism and local businesses. Many residents fear that imposing toll fees could deter tourists, leading to a significant decline in visitors. The potential loss of revenue from tourism could precipitate broader economic hardships across regions reliant on ferry access for both residents and tourists.
The proposed budget also includes provisions to suspend toll collections during declared state emergencies, offering some relief in crisis situations. As discussions progress through the legislative assembly, the outcome remains uncertain, but the local sentiment continues to lean heavily against the implementation of ferry tolls.
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now
- The Coastland Times
- WTKR News
- News Observer
- WITN
- Wikipedia: Ferry Transport
- Google Search: Ferry Tolls North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Ferry Transportation Funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ferry
- Google News: North Carolina Ferry Tolls
