Governor Stein declared state of emergency for Outer Banks following back-to-back storms
(WWAY) — Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency in Dare and Hyde counties and called on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to grant emergency relief supporting the repair of N.C. Highway 12.
“NC 12 is essential, so I’m asking our federal partners to support immediate repairs and work with us to accelerate longer-term solutions for this vital stretch of highway,” said Governor Stein. “NCDOT and our federal partners are already working closely together, and we must build on that partnership to provide more reliable access to the Outer Banks.”
On September 24, a strong coastal storm brought high winds, heavy rain, and destructive flooding to the Outer Banks.
NC 12 sustained significant structural damage in Dare County between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe.
On Ocracoke Island in Hyde County, overwash destroyed the protective dunes and damaged the highway between the ferry terminal and the National Park Service pony pens.
The damaged sections were closed until September 29, when they reopened to northbound traffic only. Ferry service in both counties was suspended for the same period.
On October 16, a second coastal storm caused additional damage to NC 12 on Hatteras Island and again suspended ferry service.
Dare County declared a local state of emergency on September 26, and again on October 16, and ordered the evacuation of Hatteras Island.
On Wednesday, October 22, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division began 24-hour emergency ferry service between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe to provide a transportation link between Hatteras and the North Carolina mainland while a section of N.C. 12 remains closed.
At the Pea Island Visitor Center, state transportation crews are restoring more than 1,800 feet of the highway’s protective dunes that have been lost to ocean overwash in recent days.
NC 12 is a federal-aid highway. Its immediate repair is necessary to restore access to Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands and to protect public health and safety. FHWA Emergency Relief eligibility depends on a state emergency declaration, and this Executive Order supports the State’s pending request for aid.
