THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 18, 1994 TAG: 9409150179
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 43 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
It was late at night and my eyes were tired, but I kept looking at the final legislative report for a mention, any inkling, that would even hint at the Oregon Inlet jetties. Lo and behold, there was nothing.
We were told in an April meeting in Wanchese that the governor favors the jetties, Sen. Basnight favors jetties, Commissioner Owens favors jetties and all state officials favor jetties, but since then not one reported whisper about this key Dare County and northeast North Carolina issue.
I did notice plenty of provisions for bike paths, Manteo tourist attractions and other ``pork rolling'' along those paths fostered by our local representatives, but not a sound about money or other support for the jetties.
Let's review the priorities. Without a stabilized Oregon Inlet and its related bridge, many of these bike trails will become overgrown with weeds. The boating, fishing and related industries will fade into the sunset, and more and more of us who depend on the inlet will suffer economically. Doesn't anyone remember the more than 20 of our seagoing brothers who have perished because our elected officials let us down as far as inlet stabilization is concerned? Are more Oregon Inlet-related tragedies needed before something is done?
It's been almost a year since the Governor's Inlet Commission was created. In my opinion, this has been the most silent action group ever created. It is my intention to serve northeastern North Carolina by making this issue a major plank in my party's platform.
Dan Gray
Dare County Republican Chairman
Avon by CNB