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Beaufort County backs resolution opposing ferry tolls proposed in state budget bill
Summary
The board approved a resolution opposing a Senate provision that would impose new tolls and increase tolls on existing North Carolina ferry routes, including Bayview-Aurora; the county joined a multi-county joint resolution with nearby counties.
Beaufort County commissioners approved two resolutions opposing proposed tolling changes to the North Carolina ferry system that would affect the Bayview-Aurora route and potentially increase tolls on existing ferry routes.
County staff explained that the Senate budget bill (referred to in meeting materials as Appropriations Act / Senate bill 257) included language to toll ferries and raise existing ferry tolls. The county had circulated a standalone resolution opposing tolls on the Bayview-Aurora ferry and presented a joint resolution coordinated with neighboring counties.
A staff presentation noted Beaufort County would join Carteret, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Jones and Pamlico counties in the joint resolution after Brunswick County declined to participate. Representative Kidwell and Senator Brinson were named as members of the county's legislative delegation working the issue at the General Assembly.
Why it matters: Tolls on ferry routes would directly affect residents, commuters and tourism-dependent businesses that rely on ferry access; local officials told the board they are seeking to prevent tolling language from being adopted in the final state budget.
Action: The board voted to approve both a county resolution opposing tolls on the Bayview-Aurora ferry and a multi-county joint resolution opposing higher tolls and new tolling language. County staff will transmit the resolutions to the delegation and relevant state decision-makers.
