NC’s Alligator River Refuge to get visitor center
MANTEO, N.C. — The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge near North Carolina’s coast will have a visitor center next year.
The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk, Va., reported that an almost $5 million contract has been awarded for the construction of a visitor center and headquarters at the refuge on Roanoke Island along the Outer Banks. Construction is scheduled to be finished within 18
months.
Deputy refuge manager Scott Lanier says the visitor center will help the refuge provide information to the public. He says there’s little to tell people about the 154,000-acre refuge now other than a few signs and kiosks off U.S. 64.
The refuge was established in 1984 and straddles mainland Dare and Hyde counties. It attracts about 45,000 visitors annually. It’s home to large populations of bear, red wolves, raptors and, birds.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Leave a Reply