"Paint a picture of eastern North Carolina for posterity, let the world drive by and enjoy: Cypress knees knobbing up at the edges of strong, sleepy rivers; bridges crossing and flat roads winding through pine forests; open farmland dotted with classic tobacco barns; and byways leading to the surging shores of Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds," says the article.
Some of the peaceful picture could generate some controversy before a two-lane, 55 mph road is paved, however.
As proposed, it would eliminate the Cherry Branch-Minnesott and Bayview-Aurora ferries and replace them with bridges, and bypass some developed areas with potential ill effects. And, another regional branding effort claims the name “Inner Banks” already with a different map of a larger region.
Giving credit for the concept to Ron Toppin of Washington, N.C., spokesman Dean Stephens told commissioners the proposed parkway from Gatesville to Havelock offers eastern North Carolina an opportunity to provide a north-south artery for tourism development and local traffic.
It would use current highways N.C. 32, N.C. 45 and N.C. 306 in Craven and Pamlico counties to form a corridor to connect with the parkway.
“It would allow easy navigation of a key tourist area that focuses on history, natural resources and environmentally desirable development in a relaxed, small town environment,” Stephens said of the plan that also proposes state parks associated with the road.
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