H.R. 4094, Congressman Walter B. Jones’ bill to preserve public access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area, passed out of the House Committee on Natural Resources this week. The next step is for the Bill to be heard on the House Floor for a vote. “This is a major win for the people of Hatteras and the state of North Carolina,” said Jones. Congressman Jones has been working for many years to fight the shrinking access to our National Seashore and to prevent the economic stress on the communities in North Carolina that benefit from the visitation to the Seashore. “This bill is about jobs and the taxpayers’ right to access the recreational areas they own. It’s about restoring balance and common sense to Park Service management. I would like to thank the Natural Resources Committee for doing what is right,” said Jones in a statement this week.
The Dare County Board of Commissioners and the Outer Banks Preservation Association have been working with Congressman Jones’ office in support of H.R. 4094. This is one step in the process, but it is a step to be celebrated!
What is next? Everyone needs to contact their Congressional Representatives to ask for their support of H.R. 4094 so it will pass when the vote comes up.
Also, North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan introduced Senate Bill S.2372 to preserve pedestrian and ORV access at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area on April 26,2012. This Senate Bill is still in Committee. Please call your Senators and ask for their support to get S. 2372 to the Senate Floor!
We will update you as things progress and news happens!