[NCangler]

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 26) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission held a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday morning for a new public boat ramp on the Northeast Cape Fear River.

The Chinquapin Boating Access Area offers boaters from Duplin and surrounding counties another chance to get on the water. Measuring more than 100 feet long and 15 feet wide, the single-launch ramp near NC 41 becomes the fourth public access area in Duplin County and the 205th in the state.

Gordon Myers, the deputy director of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, said the importance of ramps like this will only increase with time.

“Public access is an issue, particularly in the coastal counties, that is growing more acute every day,” noted Myers. “One study estimated the population of North Carolina will increase by 50 percent over the next 25 years. To put this in context, that’s like adding the entire population of South Carolina to our state. We need to meet the challenge of increased access one boat ramp, one fishing pier at a time.”

The facility, which has eight parking spaces, cost roughly $75,000 to complete. The project was funded through boater registration money, highlighting the user-pay system funded by boaters.

Senator Charlie Alberston, who played a prominent role in the access area’s creation, was impressed with the facility.

“This is simply one of the best (access areas) in the state,” he announced. “I can’t tell you how proud I am to be at this ribbon cutting.”