Outer Banks Coastal Studies Institute Takes Another Step Forward

Posted on January 31, 2011

Outer Banks - UNC Coastal Studies Institute

Last April we wrote a post about the UNC Coastal Studies Institute that is being planned for Roanoke Island. At the time, a conditional use permit was issued to begin building, but as with most projects of this scale, it’s never quite as easy as it seems.

The vision has been over six years in the making, and it is still in the planning phase, but an important step forward was taken at the end of last week.

On Friday afternoon, the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce posted the following on their Facebook page:

“This afternoon the NC Attorney General’s office approved the UNC Coastal Studies Institute project contract, thus encumbering the remaining $22 million in state funds to construct the research building and marine support facilities at the Skyco Campus on Roanoke Island. This allows them to move forward to collect and open bids. The bid date is 8 February.”

This project is estimated to cost $30 million and will include a 56,800 square foot building, a 9700 square foot building, two dormitories, a boat storage building, boat slips and parking.

The OBX has a strong “green” presence, and the campus will be no exception; it will include environmentally friendly equipment and methods of operation. Current plans call for a staff of 60 and 120 students that will be living on campus.

An exciting addition to Dare County…assuming the process continues to move along.

Dare County Tourism Board Speaks Out Against a Possible Toll Increase

Posted on December 23, 2010

Beach Dollar Sign

Earlier this month we reported that the city of Chesapeake, VA is considering an increase for the toll leading to the Outer Banks.

The Outer Banks Voice is now reporting that the Dare County Tourism Board has come out against the proposed toll increase, and has put their thoughts in writing for the city of Chesapeake.

The Board’s written resolution says that commuters and vacationers would be hurt by a toll hike, and that the increase would unfairly target visitors to the Outer Banks by requiring them to shoulder most of the increase. The resolution went on to state that a toll increase would be counter-productive because it would reduce traffic.

The Outer Banks Camber of Commerce has also contacted the Chesapeake City Council asking them to carefully consider any increase and its impact on tourism and commerce between the two states.

Calm Before the Storm

Posted on September 2, 2010

Hurricane Earl is bearing down on the Outer Banks, but the calm before the storm was pretty classic. Yesterday was a picture perfect day with amazing overhead surf, bright sunny skies, warm water, and visitors still enjoying the beach.

Unfortunately, today is a bit different, with the initial clouds of Earl bringing overcast skies and a mandatory evacuation in effect for all of Dare County.

Please be kind to the Outer Banks Earl.

Recycled Christmas Trees Used to Build Dunes Along the Outer Banks

Posted on December 4, 2009

Currituck County plans to use recycled Christmas trees to help replenish the dune line that was damaged in November by the nor’easter storm.

Following the Christmas holiday, Christmas trees will be collected in Currituck County from December 26, 2009 through January 10, 2010. Christmas trees may be dropped off at each Currituck County Recycling Center, as well as at the Southern Outer Banks Water Plant. A special Christmas tree collection area will be designated by new signage at each site.

Residents recycling Christmas trees should first remove all decorations and tinsel from each tree. County employees will collect the trees and take them to the beach for the dune replenishment program.

For additional information, contact the Public Works Department at 232-2504

Dare County will also offer Christmas tree pickup and recycling.