News Summary
The North Carolina Legislature’s budget proposal has ignited controversy with plans to introduce new ferry tolls, notably impacting the Hatteras-Ocracoke route. The Senate’s plan suggests significant increases in tolls, while the House aims to keep free routes unchanged. Local leaders and residents are uniting against the proposal, expressing concerns about the economic burden it could impose on communities. As discussions continue, stakeholders are urging citizens to voice their opposition to protect access to essential ferry services.
Ocracoke, North Carolina — The North Carolina Legislature is currently deliberating on a two-year budget proposal that has ignited controversy due to its call for new tolls on various ferry routes, including the important Hatteras ferry. The budget from the Senate proposes significant increases in tolls and fees, while the House’s counterproposal maintains the status quo, not suggesting any new tolls on currently free ferry routes or hikes in existing rates.
Under the Senate’s plan, tolls are set to be introduced on routes such as Hatteras-Ocracoke and Currituck-Knotts Island. Additionally, rates would be doubled for the Ocracoke-Swan Quarter route and Cedar Island routes, along with a substantial increase for the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry. This proposal is expected to generate approximately $6.4 million annually for the Ferry Capital Fund, which is aimed at vessel replacements.
The budget proposal has met with considerable opposition from various stakeholders, including legislators, local government leaders, and business owners from the Outer Banks and surrounding inland areas. A resolution was passed by Hyde County commissioners expressing their opposition to the proposed tolls on these ferries and echoing sentiments from seven other counties against implementing tolls on currently free ferry routes. These resolutions have subsequently been forwarded to the General Assembly, reflecting a united front from the affected regions.
Concerns raised by opponents center on the financial burden these tolls may place on local residents and businesses. The Hyde resolution indicated that the proposed toll for the Hatteras ferry would be $20 for vehicles under 20 feet and $40 for larger vehicles. For the Ocracoke-Swan Quarter route, the existing toll would see an increase from $15 to $30.
Critics argue that the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry is the only free route to access Ocracoke Island, and the imposition of tolls would create an economic strain on the local communities, many of whom rely on this route for their livelihoods. Additionally, state law mandates that for every toll route, there must be a maintained non-toll alternative, raising further concerns about access to the island if tolls are established.
Efforts are being made within the community to galvanize local residents into action, urging them to contact their representatives to express opposition to the toll proposals. Community leaders are warning that failure to voice dissent could lead to quick implementation of the new tolls, thereby exacerbating economic hardships for the region’s inhabitants.
As the budgeting process moves forward, a conference committee will be assembled to mediate between the differing proposals from the House and Senate, particularly concerning the allocation of funds. Both budgets anticipate around $30 billion in total spending, yet they diverge significantly in terms of funding distribution and project priorities.
The ongoing debate surrounding the ferry tolls highlights the broader ramifications such financial changes could have on eastern North Carolina’s coastal communities. As stakeholders await further developments, the pressure mounts for local residents and business owners to unite in their opposition to the proposed tolls in order to protect their access to essential ferry services.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Opposition Grows Against Proposed Ferry Toll Charges in NC
North Carolina Senate Proposes Tolls for Ferry Routes
Additional Resources
- Ocracoke Observer – N.C. Legislature to Decide on a Joint Budget, Ferry Tolls Undecided
- WTKR – N.C. Senate’s Ferry Toll in Proposed Budget Met with Strong Opposition
- Wavy – Tolls Could Be Imposed on Entire North Carolina Ferry System in 2026
- News Observer – North Carolina Ferry Tolls Proposal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ferry
