Ocracoke Media Coverage
Read articles, features, and press coverage highlighting our work to protect reliable access, improve ferry service, and strengthen North Carolina’s coastal infrastructure.
Questions remain as North Carolina moves toward tolling the Hatteras–Ocracoke Ferry
July 24, 2026
By Peter Vankevich For nearly 70 years, the Hatteras–Ocracoke vehicle ferry has been a free link in North Carolina’s highway system, providing residents and visitors with access to Ocracoke Island. That is scheduled to change on Jan. 1, when, for the first time since the state assumed operation of the route in 1957, the ferry […]
Outer Banks organization asks lawmakers to delay ferry tolls
July 24, 2026
Originally published by Coastal Review: Outer Banks organization asks lawmakers to delay ferry tolls An advocacy organization created to improve transportation access to Ocracoke Island and the Outer Banks is urging state lawmakers to the North Carolina Ferry Division’s deadline to begin collecting tolls on all of its ferry routes by one year. In a […]
Ocracoke leaders urge one-year delay to new statewide ferry toll mandate, citing implementation concerns
July 22, 2026
Ocracoke residents, business owners, and community leaders gathered Tuesday evening at the Ocracoke Community Center with an immediate goal: persuading the North Carolina General Assembly to postpone the implementation of newly mandated ferry tolls by one year, arguing that the Jan. 1, 2027 deadline established in the recently adopted state budget is unworkable. The meeting, […]
Ocracoke Access Alliance seeks one-year delay for new ferry tolls
July 16, 2026
Originally published by Outer Banks Voice: Ocracoke Access Alliance seeks one-year delay for new ferry tolls By Kip Tabb | Outer Banks Voice on July 16, 2026 (NC Ferry System) Update: In a Facebook post on Tuesday, July 21, the Ocracoke Access Alliance Facebook put out a CALL TO ACTION, encouraging individuals to contact legislators […]
North Carolina must invest in Ocracoke’s lifelines
June 12, 2026
Originally published by Ocracoke Observer: North Carolina must invest in Ocracoke’s lifelines Ocracoke Island recently received something important: the full attention of North Carolina’s transportation leadership. A visit on May 5 by Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson and 17 of the 20 North Carolina Board of Transportation board members along with the NCDOT district managers and […]
NC Board of Transportation visits Ocracoke
June 3, 2026
Originally published by Ocracoke Observer: NC Board of Transportation visits Ocracoke By Connie Leinbach At this time, the North Carolina General Assembly still has not passed a budget for the current fiscal year, making it the only state in the nation without one. The state is currently operating on funding levels from the 2023 budget […]
Hatteras and Ocracoke advocates take the islands’ issues to Washington, D.C.
March 27, 2026
Originally published by Island Free Press: Hatteras and Ocracoke advocates take the islands’ issues to Washington, D.C. Representatives from Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands joined coastal leaders from across the country in Washington, D.C., this week for the 2026 Coastal Summit, a three-day national policy forum hosted by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) […]
The Ocracoke Express logs another successful year
October 27, 2025
The 2025 season of the passenger ferry Ocracoke Express welcomed over 18,000 riders—its strongest performance since 2022—underscoring the vessel’s vital role in connecting the island to the mainland and supporting local tourism. The advocacy and stewardship of Ocracoke Access Alliance continue to play a pivotal role in sustaining this essential link for residents and visitors […]
Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry boasts biggest ridership since 2022
October 24, 2025
The seasonal Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry chalked up 18,786 riders this year—its strongest performance since 2022—highlighting renewed interest in the 70-minute crossing between Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Village. This uptick underscores the ferry’s vital role in connecting communities and supporting local tourism, and the efforts of the Ocracoke Access Alliance in advocating for dependable island […]
North Carolina assembly approves $7M to preserve vital Outer Banks ferry services
October 23, 2025
The state’s commitment of $7 million to the ferry transportation system along the Outer Banks secures continued operations and vital shipyard maintenance—such as for the vessel Sea Level—thereby supporting Ocracoke Access Alliance’s ongoing efforts to maintain seamless access for residents and visitors alike. Article credit: Jordan Luker for WCTI.
Help Us Keep Ocracoke’s Story Moving Forward
Your support helps ensure that Ocracoke’s voice continues to be heard across North Carolina and beyond. Join our efforts to protect the ferry system, strengthen coastal infrastructure, and keep the island connected.