The Cape Lookout NPS has a plan to eliminate the independent ferries operating out of Harkers Island, Beaufort and Morehead City, NC . 2013 will be the last year that the local ferries will be allowed to operate using the current “commercial use permits”.
The NPS plan, will eliminate 7 small business owners and their employees. This will effect the local economy. The plan is to use larger boats which are not always practical to operate given the shallow waters. Additionally, the NPS will need to spend money to build facilities that the independent owners already have available. This plan does make sense and will cost the public more in ferry fares and taxes. We should be creating jobs not eliminating them.