Deadline Approaches For Waterfront Access Ideas

[NCangler]

MOREHEAD CITY – Time is running out to submit ideas for Waterfront Access and Marine Industry Fund projects.

Fisheries Director Louis Daniel will accept public comment and proposals until 5 p.m. Nov. 1.

Daniel has oversight of the $20 million fund, created to improve and/or develop public and commercial waterfront access. Daniel has set up a citizen advisory committee to help consider projects.

Daniel is seeking proposals for multi-purpose facilities that provide water access to multiple user groups, such as boat ramps and docks for commercial, recreational and research needs, piers for land-based recreational fishing, kayak launches and boat trailer parking.

Only coastal water access proposals will be considered, and the state must take title to any property or facility purchased with the fund. Properties considered for purchase must be available for sale; DMF will not undertake condemnation proceedings.

Special consideration will be given to projects that partner with local governments or other state agencies, such as the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, Natural Heritage Trust Fund, Wildlife Resources Commission and Division of Coastal Management. Priority will also be given to projects that provide access to sustain working waterfronts in traditional fishing communities where access has been lost.

To the greatest extent possible, Daniel plans to evenly distribute the funding across the three coastal geographic regions: Northeast, Central and Southeast.

Those with ideas should send them in writing to WAMI Projects, c/o Patricia Smith, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, N.C. 28557 or to tricia.smith@ncmail.net, or call Patricia Smith or Jennifer Floyd at 1-800-682-2632 or 252-726-7021.

Include your name, phone number, e-mail address or other alternative means of contact. Also, provide the location and address of the property and other pertinent information, such as the water body on which it lies, number of acres, waterfront footage, water depth, existing facilities and any funding partnerships involved.

A citizens advisory committee will review the proposals and seek additional information, as needed.