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Dare commissioners agreed to partner on two projects, one with Outer Banks Forever and another with Hyde County.

One of the projects championed by Outer Banks Forever is installing a new accessible restroom and shower facilities along the pathway now under construction on the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse grounds.

On July 16, 2024, Dare Commissioners agreed to partner with Outer Banks Forever in seeking a North Carolina Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program grant.

The bathhouse features four unisex family facilities, flushing fixtures, exterior showers with privacy screens, in a concrete structure designed to withstand flooding, wind and rain.

Initial funding for the bathhouse has come from Dare County Tourism Board and Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative. Donors generously donated $25,000 in Giving Tuesday.

Jessica Barnes, director of Outer Banks Forever, has announced a receipt of a $220,000 grant from the National Park Foundation.

If the grant from North Carolina is awarded, the bathhouse project will be fully funded.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse pathway project also sponsored by Outer Banks Forever is expected to be completed and a ribbon cutting held this fall.

On July 16, Dare’s commissioners also agreed to enter into a memorandum of agreement with Hyde County for cooperative maintenance of Hatteras Inlet’s Rollinson Channel. Dare County has obtained permits for dredging Hatteras Inlet from NC Division of Coastal Management, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and National Park Service to maintain Hatteras Inlet by performing certain activities, including but not limited to dredging. Hyde County desires to use those permits and the Miss Katie to dredge an area of the channel.

The memorandum of agreement spells out seven conditions for Hyde County to follow.

The commissioners also heard a presentation about The Outer Banks Promise. The Outer Banks Promise is designed to inspire stewardship and responsible behavior, preserve Outer Banks history and culture and protect the natural environment for future generations.

The destination pledge idea is found in the Long-Range Tourism Management plan. The Outer Banks Promise was created by visitor bureau staff, the Tourism Board Special Committee for the Long-Range Tourism Management Plan and adopted by the Dare County Tourism Board.

To sign the pledge, go to outerbanks.org and scroll down the opening page to find The Outer Banks Promise.

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