Update on ferry tax for Beaufort, Hyde, & Pamlico Counties: June 1, 2012 | Eastern North Carolina Now

For Immediate Release:

    Rep. Tim Spear (Democrat, District #2, Chowan, Dare, Hyde, and Washington Counties) sponsored two bills directly affecting ferry tolls. In House Bill #961 http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2011&BillID
=H961>, jurors required to take a ferry to serve on jury duty would be exempted from tolls. This bill has been calendared for hearing in the House Transportation Committee next week on Tuesday, June 5, 2012.

    Rep. Spear's strongest move has been to file House Bill #962 . The language of "Repeal Ferry Tolls" has been included in the House Budget bill and House Bill #142. It maintains the moratorium on collecting ferry tolls through June 30, 2013 and provides the $2.5 million shortfall to the NC Dept. of Transportation.

    The House Budget passed with veto-proof votes on May 30, and has been sent to the Senate.

    We know we face strong opposition in the Senate. At this point, we have received no assurances that the ferry tax will stay out of the Senate version of the budget for 2012-2013. Joe and Henri are communicating with Senators on the importance of the ferry tax issue, and will continue to visit individual Senators next week.
Ferry boat that crosses the Pamlico River from Gaylords Bay to near PCS.     photo by Stan Deatherage
    Please thank Rep. Spear for his faithful work and steadfast support of coastal citizens. Call his office (919) 715-3029 or email him Tim.Spear@ncleg.net. Many of you saw him on the Opening Day of the 2012 Legislative Session. Please let him know how much you appreciate his continuing support of this important coastal issue.

    Rep. Spear's work is not over. We need his continuing efforts during the budget process. When the Senate writes its budget and passes it, the next step will be for the House and Senate to compromise on their differences. We will need Rep. Spear's strong voice in that negotiating process. He is our strong advocate in the House.

    Call Henri or Joe McClees if you have questions. Thanks!

    Joe McClees & Henri McClees
      McClees Consulting, Inc.

      Post Office Box 430
      Oriental, NC 28571

      Office (252) 249-1097
      Fax (252) 249-3275
      www.mccleesconsulting.com
      Joe McClees's mobile (252) 671-1585
      Henri's mobile (252) 671-1559