THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, July 16, 1996 TAG: 9607160283
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
LENGTH: 21 lines
The state Division of Coastal Management has pledged to issue permits within two weeks to replace ocean piers destroyed by Hurricane Bertha.
To help pier owners return to business quickly, the agency will expedite its permit review process. The review, which requires approval by 11 state and four federal agencies, usually takes about 75 days. As long as pier owners are simply replacing their piers, not making them bigger, Coastal Management can work more quickly.
``We want to help ocean pier owners get back into business as quickly as possible,'' said Roger Schecter, director of the Coastal Management division. ``We're going to work hard to get these reviews completed within 10 days.''
The Coastal Management division also will waive the $250 major permit fee for ocean pier replacements.
KEYWORDS: HURRICANE BERTHA AFTERMATH by CNB