About Ocracoke Access Alliance
Working to protect reliable access to Ocracoke Island and strengthen North Carolina’s coastal infrastructure for generations to come.
Our Mission
Ocracoke Access Alliance is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable access to Ocracoke Island. We work with local residents, businesses, and government partners to promote long-term investment in North Carolina’s ferry system, NC Highway 12, and other vital coastal infrastructure.
Our goal is simple: to keep Ocracoke connected, thriving, and accessible for everyone who calls it home or comes to experience its beauty.
Our Core Priorities
Ocracoke Access Alliance is guided by three core priorities that define our mission and drive our work. Each one plays an essential role in keeping Ocracoke Island open, connected, and thriving for everyone who lives, works, or visits here.
Access
We advocate for reliable ferry service, safe roadways, and strong coastal infrastructure that connect Ocracoke Island to the rest of North Carolina. From maintaining ferry routes and dredging waterways to improving NC Highway 12, we support projects that keep residents, visitors, and businesses moving safely and efficiently throughout the year.
Advocacy
We work directly with policymakers, transportation officials, and community partners to secure the funding and resources needed for long-term coastal stability. Through collaboration with leaders in Raleigh and Washington DC, we push for smart investment and forward-thinking planning that protect the future of North Carolina’s ferry system and transportation network.
Community
We unite people around a shared commitment to preserving Ocracoke’s access and vitality. By engaging local businesses, residents, and visitors, we build awareness, encourage participation, and inspire action that strengthens both the island’s economy and its sense of community.
Leading the Effort to Keep Ocracoke Accessible
We coordinate advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels to address funding gaps, infrastructure challenges, and policy decisions that impact coastal transportation. Through research, community outreach, and coalition building, OAA gives Ocracoke a unified voice in Raleigh and Washington DC.
From ferry maintenance and dredging projects to long-term transportation planning, our focus is on sustainable solutions that serve the island’s residents and visitors alike.
Why Reliable Access Matters
The North Carolina Ferry System supports thousands of jobs and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the state’s economy each year. Reliable access to Ocracoke benefits local businesses, tourism, and community resilience.
5,860 Jobs supported statewide
$735 Million in economic impact
$33 Million in tax revenue
Stronger access means a stronger future for Ocracoke and the North Carolina coast, supporting local jobs, tourism, and the communities that depend on reliable connections every day.
Our Team
Led by Executive Director Justin LeBlanc, Ocracoke Access Alliance works with community advocates, business owners, and coastal policy experts dedicated to improving Ocracoke’s access and infrastructure.
Be Part of the Solution
Your voice matters. Help us advocate for the funding and policies that keep Ocracoke connected and thriving.