For Immediate Release:
Rather than trickle down fees, certain state legislators seek to eliminate costs for locals and encourage tourism by removing all ferry tolls in coastal North Carolina.
"Ferry Tolling Alternatives," House Bill #475 and Senate Bill #524, were filed today by a coalition of Republicans and Democrats. The most intriguing group comprises House visionaries: Charles Jeter, freshman Republican from Mecklenburg and Paul Tine, freshman Democrat from Manteo, with House Transportation Co-Chair John Torbett of Gaston County and Frank Iler, veteran Republican from Oak Island.
Coastal Republican Senators Norman Sanderson and Bill Cook filed the Senate version of "Ferry Tolling Alternatives".
These innovative bills authorize the Ferry Division to raise revenue to replace tolls. Sources would include selling numerous concessions, including wireless internet service, selling naming rights to ferries boats, routes, and buildings, and numerous individual advertising opportunities.
Representative Tine said, "I am delighted to work on this bipartisan effort with two inland legislators and Rep. Iler from the southern coast. The ferries are our highways, serving our citizens and welcoming our visitors. With high coastal unemployment rates and slow economic recovery, we need to advertise one of North Carolina's great tourism assets, our unique ferry system."
Senator Norman Sanderson said, "There are better ways to raise money than tax our overburdened citizens. Ferries offer scenic trips across coastal waters, punctuated by the friendly brogue of ferry workers. We should promote our coast, not tax ourselves."
Representative Michael Speciale is a co-sponsor of House Bill #475, as well as sponsor of House Bill #62, the first bill seeking to rescind tolls on the Pamlico and Neuse River ferries. "I filed House Bill #62 early, because it is that important to protect our coastal citizens."
NC Dept. of Transportation
Mr. Jamille Robbins
NCDOT-Human Environment Section
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
jarobbins@ncdot.gov
There is no limit to the information you can send to support our objections to increased ferry taxes. It does not matter if you feel you are repeating yourself. Take this opportunity to object and give your specific reasons why the ferry tax is unreasonable.
Beaufort County Ferry landing crossing the Pamlico River at Gaylords Bay: Above. photo by Stan Deatherage
After the 4/16/13 deadline, the NC DOT will make its final decision and submit it to the NC Rules Review Commission. We will have the opportunity to submit objections to the RRC at the proper time. (You cannot send them anything yet.)
I will send further instructions when it is time to submit objections to the NC Rules Review Commission.
As soon as further ferry tax legislative is filed, I will notify you. (Nothing yet this week.)
Please do NOT FORWARD this email to Mr. Robbins. Send him a fresh email or written letter.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call me. Thank you!
Best regards,
Henri and Joe McClees
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
