THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 25, 1995 TAG: 9501250447
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
Local legislators have a load of issues to take up with the General Assembly this year, ranging from a system of high-speed ferries to tax relief for longtime Ocracoke residents to possible changes in menhaden fishing regulations. Here's a look at just a few of the regional and local issues that may be headed for legislative debate:
Albemarle region:
Coastal-fishing license. A legislative panel that studies seafood and aquaculture interests recommended that such a license be considered as part of a two-year study of fisheries management expected next year. It did not include a bill as part of its recommendations to the General Assembly. This means the proposal is likely dead for the upcoming session and also means a delay in the expected license revenue of about $6 million a year to improve the stocks of marine fisheries.
High-speed ferries. Northeastern North Carolina economic developers have asked the state to help pay for a multimillion-dollar fleet of high-speed ferries that would connect 12 coastal communities. But in a speech before the Beaufort County Democratic Women last week, Senate leader Marc Basnight, D-Dare, said if the region wants a fleet of high-speed ferries, it should be prepared to pay for it and not look to the state for money for the project.
Marina fees. A committee that was to study proposals to charge marina operators a fee to use the state's public trust waters was one of the casualties of the November election. It never got under way. Environmental groups and marina operators still hope some solution can be reached, but without the study, political pundits say that may not be likely.
State parks. In a compromise measure approved last year, the legislature agreed to finance state parks, including those in northeastern North Carolina, with a special fund from a state tax on real estate transfers - expected to generate about $12 million. But while legislators approved the mechanism to implement the fund, they delayed actual implementation until this year. Parks supporters hope the legislature will live up to that agreement.
Beaufort County: Tax deadline. Beaufort County's Board of Commissioners have asked Rep. Zeno Edwards, R-Beaufort, to extend from Jan. 5 to mid-February the time local property owners can pay their taxes without penalty. But this change may require statewide legislation, Edwards said.
Red wolves. Edwards says he may introduce legislation, now in effect in Hyde and Washington counties, to allow Beaufort County residents to shoot red wolves that wander off of federal refuge lands.
Currituck County:
Toll authority. When the General Assembly approved a plan last year that could bring a toll bridge to Currituck County, the legislation omitted a panel, or bridge authority, to oversee its construction. W.C. ``Bill'' Owens, D-Pasquotank, said he will review the legislation to determine whether such a panel is needed and, if so, revise the law to include one.
Dare County:
Menhaden restrictions. Some recreational fishing interests and local governments have begun to complain again about the commercial menhaden fishing fleet that they say continues to work too close to the Dare County beaches despite action by the state Marine Fisheries Commission to restrict the boats. They're renewing their calls for legislative action restricting the fleets.
Water rights. Officials with the Cape Hatteras Water Association may seek changes in state laws governing coastal reserves to allow the drilling of drinking water wells as one of the uses that is compatible with the goals of the reserve.
Hyde County:
Homestead property tax exemptions. Hyde County's residents on Ocracoke Island face dramatic increases in the value of their property this year thanks to revaluation, and many island residents say they may lose their homes as a result of these changes. Edwards says he will seek an exemption or some form of tax relief for longtime county residents.
Real estate transfer tax. For the past two years, Hyde County officials have sought to be added to the number of counties that charge a fee for the transfer of real estate, but the bill failed to pass the House both years. Edwards said he does not plan to introduce a similar bill this year.
Pasquotank County:
Hunting. Laws approved by the General Assembly last year governing hunting in Pasquotank County may not have met local government needs, according to Owens. Look for him to review the current rules and make any needed changes this year. by CNB