Cook and Sanderson Sponsor Legislation to Provide Relief to the N.C. Ferry Division | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Release:

    Raleigh, N.C.     Senator Bill Cook (R-District 1) and Senator Norman Sanderson (R-District 2) filed Senate Bill 113, on Tuesday, February 24, 2015, that gives the N.C. Ferry Division temporary authority to enter into contracts for the purchase of motor fuel at a guaranteed price. Last summer, the ferry division purchased two million gallons of fuel.

    “Currently, the price of fuel is about 60 cents less than last year’s summer rates. If this bill passes at the current rate of fuel it could potentially save the ferry division $1.2 million,” Cook said. "The Division and I have agreed on a couple of fuel future purchasing safeguards. The Division may not purchase more than 2 million gallons of fuel per contract, and also they may not purchase fuel at a price exceeding $2.50 per gallon.”

    In addition, the legislation creates a capital improvement account in the Highway Fund. It would allow the Division to have possession of the proceeds generated from services at their Manns Harbor Shipyard.

    “This legislation would allow the Department to benefit from services they perform, such as painting or sandblasting of boats, in their Mann’s Harbor facility,” Sanderson said. “It provides for some of the many solutions we are evaluating that will strengthen accountability and ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”

   The bill would be effective when it becomes law, and the length of contracts for fuel futures would not be able to exceed six months.

    To see a copy of the legislation click here.

Contact: Jordan Hennessy
     jordan.hennessy@ncleg.net, •  (252) 619-3606


     300 N. Salisbury Street
     Room 525 • Raleigh, NC 27603

    Phone: (919) 715-8293  •  Fax: (919) 754-3296  •  bill.cook@ncleg.net