New Ferry Toll Legislation Introduced Thursday
“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 ferry 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.”
For more information, contact Joe McClees, Lobbyist for Beaufort, Pamlico & Hyde Counties
McClees Consulting, Inc.
PO Box 430 Oriental, NC 28571-0430
www.mccleesconsulting.com office (252)249-1097 fax (252) 249-3275
Henri’s mobile (252) 671-1559 Joe’s mobile (252) 671-1585
