Wednesday, September 13, 2006

EI one step closer to purchasing pier

The town of Emerald Isle is one step closer to preserving one of North Carolina's fast-vanishing resources: ocean piers.

"The town of Emerald Isle’s efforts to acquire Bogue Inlet Pier and improve water quality in the area have taken a major step forward," said the Jacksonville Daily News. "The Board of Commissioners took action Tuesday night approving a purchase agreement between the town and Mid-Atlantic Real Estate and Development of Raleigh that will allow it to acquire the pier and remove three nearby stormwater outfalls that drain into the ocean.

"The $3 million contract is contingent upon the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund’s approval of the town’s grant application for the proposed project.

"That decision is expected at the trust fund’s board of directors meeting Nov. 12-13.

" 'We think this is a very strong project and believe we have a good chance,' said Town Manager Frank Rush, who presented details of the agreement at the town board’s meeting. ..."

" 'The town is extremely pleased to announce this agreement, as we believe it is a major victory for water quality, public beach access and the preservation of the ocean fishing piers in Emerald Isle and North Carolina,' said Mayor Art Schools in a news release on the agreement. ..."

This agreement is a major victory for a number of Crystal Coast residents and visitors who joined together in an effort to preserve the pier.

"Emerald Isle wouldn’t be the same without it," one Raleigh resident told the Daily News recently.

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