Hampstead residents moving closer to having local boat access

Pender County is a step closer to gaining local water access.

People living in Hampstead and the surrounding area in Pender County currently must drive out of the way to Wrightsville Beach or Surf City to put their boat in the water.

Pender County commissioners met last week to discuss purchasing a boat ramp off Lewis Road in Hampstead.

The ramp would provide direct access to the intracoastal waterways, and save boaters a lengthy drive. They are in the process of asking wildlife to help fund the project.