Dare County tourism board awards $3.34 million contract for Nags Head Soundside boardwalk; commissioners consent

The Dare County tourism board unanimously approved awarding a contract to Millstone Marine Construction for a 3,000-linear-foot soundside boardwalk and related amenities at the Event Site in Nags Head, and the Dare County Board of Commissioners granted consent to expend the tourism board’s long-term restricted funds for the project at its Sept. 3 meeting.

Lee Nettles presented the project as a multi-part contract that includes three platforms, a pergola, a gazebo, kayak launches, boat slips and interpretive features. Nettles said the bidder’s combined amount for the work is $3,339,235 and that the tourism board voted Aug. 28 to award the contract subject to the commissioners’ consent for use of restricted visitor-tax funds.

Commissioners asked about components and usage. Nettles said the boardwalk will serve education, recreation and water access — with kayak launches, improved access for kiteboarding and a small number of boat slips (seven slips were described during discussion). Commissioners discussed concerns about shallow water near the boat slips and encouraged signage and awareness for boaters.

Commissioner questions clarified that the funds to be used are the tourism board’s long-term restricted funds (derived from occupancy and prepared-meals taxes). Commissioners said the construction is expected to proceed quickly and aimed for spring completion.

The motion to consent to the expenditure was approved unanimously.

Ending: Tourism staff said construction would start after the county’s consent and permitting steps and that the project should be completed by spring. Commissioners encouraged measures for boater safety and discussed potential future extensions of the boardwalk to increase connectivity around the sound.