On Friday, June 11, National Park Service (NPS) South Atlantic-Gulf Acting Regional Director Pedro Ramos signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Oregon Inlet Marina Improvements: Site Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA).
The EA addressed the management of aging buildings that are not adapted to sea level rise, vessel traffic, navigation, fueling challenges in the marina, parking, viewshed and pedestrian and traffic flow.
After evaluating two alternatives, the NPS selected the preferred alternative, which allows for the replacement of 1960s-era buildings and improvements to fueling facilities, parking and circulation, and for dredging at the popular charter fishing marina. The facilities will be built to better withstand climate change, sea level rise and associated storm-related vulnerabilities.
The marina, located just north of Oregon Inlet, is operated by Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, LLC through a 20-year lease. The lessee will fund and implement most of the construction subject to NPS approval.
“The Seashore looks forward to continued collaboration with the marina lessee to develop final plans and specifications and implement the project in the coming months,” said David Hallac, superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina.