New Hanover won't get waterfront funding but Hampstead project still being discussed

One snag "Owners of land asking $10 million" (read-on)

By Chris Mazzolini
Staff Writer
chris.mazzolini@starnewsonline.com

New Hanover County won't receive any money from the state's new Waterfront Access and Marine Industries Fund, according to recommendations from a citizen advisory committee.

But projects in Brunswick and Pender counties may fare better.

On Monday, the committee, tasked with prioritizing which projects will receive a chunk of the new $20 million fund, denied money for projects in Seabreeze and Carolina Beach. But plans to provide more parking for a boat ramp in Sunset Harbor and public boating and fishing facilities in Hampstead were recommended to receive funding.

The $20 million Waterfront Access and Marine Industries Fund was created by the General Assembly last summer to protect and expand public water access along the coast, a diminishing resource in the face of increasing development pressure.

The committee met in Morehead City on Monday to provide recommendations to Louis Daniel, Division of Marine Fisheries director, who will decide which projects receive funding. He is expected to announce his decision in early April after receiving further recommendations from other state officials and groups.

Committee members spent Monday discussing the merits and problems of 20 projects, finalists culled from a total of 159 proposals sent in last fall. Not all of the projects will receive funding. The 20 finalists requested about $50 million.

The problem with the project in Seabreeze, a historic waterfront retreat for the state's black community, is that part of Snow's Cut is a primary fish nursery, which led the Division of Marine Fisheries to pass on the project.

Neal Lewis, parks and recreation director for New Hanover County and chairman of the advisory committee, said in past discussions with state environmental officials the county believed it could build a boat ramp there.

Plus, a dredging barge docks in that area and a commercial pier extends from a now-defunct fish house, Lewis said.

Daniel said he would gather more information on that area and if there is an environmentally friendly way to complete the project, it could be added to future funding requests.

Carolina Beach's project to expand transient boating facilities at the municipal marina was shot down because the project the state really wanted - preserving Blackburn Brothers Seafood - was pulled because the property owners decided not to sell.

"When Blackburn pulled out, I lost interest, personally," Daniel said.

Not all of the area's projects fared so poorly: The committee felt the Sunset Harbor project in Brunswick County is the area's top priority.

The boat ramp there is already operated by the Wildlife Resources Commission, but the land traditionally used for parking is now on the market.

Gordon Myers, a deputy director with Wildlife Resources, said the commission has a conditional offer to purchase the land for roughly $800,000, but the deal can only be struck if it's funded.

The Hampstead project - purchasing land to provide dock space, boat ramp and other marine facilities at the end of Lewis Road on the Intracoastal Waterway - is also a good project because of a great need. It would provide the only public boat access between Surf City and Wrightsville Beach, Myers said.

One snag is that the owners are asking for $10 million. The land would need to be appraised before any deal could be struck, Daniel said.

Chris Mazzolini: 343-2223

chris.mazzolini@starnewsonline.com