Originally published by Island Free Press: Hyde County, OCBA, and Ocracoke Access Alliance to Host Joint Public Comment Session on Ferry Tolls and Resident Priority Passes
Hyde County, the Ocracoke Civic and Business Association (OCBA), and the Ocracoke Access Alliance (OAA) are partnering to host a joint Public Comment Session on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ocracoke Community Center. The public comment session will also be live-streamed on the Hyde County Public Information and OCBA Facebook pages.
The sole focus of the event is to provide a local platform for residents, business owners, and community members to share feedback regarding upcoming changes to ferry operations, specifically the proposed implementation of tolls and the preservation of resident priority boarding passes.
As state leaders evaluate future operational and statutory changes for the N.C. Ferry Division, local leadership is coming together to gather comprehensive feedback from the island community. The comments collected during this session will be compiled to help inform and support ongoing legislative advocacy efforts.
“The Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry route serves as an essential transportation link for the Ocracoke community,” said Kris Cahoon Noble, Hyde County Manager. “By partnering with the OCBA and the Ocracoke Access Alliance, Hyde County aims to give residents an opportunity to record their feedback so we can present a comprehensive, unified perspective to our state legislative delegation and decision-makers.”
Public Comment Guidelines
To ensure that all attendees have an opportunity to participate, organizers will implement a three-minute time limit per speaker. Given the expected large turnout, participants are encouraged to prepare and condense their verbal remarks in advance.
Organizers also strongly encourage the submission of written comments to [email protected] or in person. Written statements are ideal for individuals who require more than three minutes to detail their feedback or for those who are unable to attend the session in person. All written and recorded remarks will be collected as part of the official record to share with state legislators and transportation officials.
Residents are also encouraged to review supporting materials, read the joint local resolutions, and sign the community petition by visiting ferry.hydecountync.gov and change.org/ocracokeferry.
Event Details
What: Joint Public Comment Session: Ferry Tolls & Resident Priority Passes
When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Ocracoke Community Center, 999 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC
Live-streamed: Hyde County Public Information and OCBA Facebook
Hosted By: Hyde County, the Ocracoke Civic and Business Association (OCBA), and the Ocracoke Access Alliance (OAA)