Saturday, March 03, 2007

Fees for Commercial Docks & Piers May Increase

The NC Waterfront Access Study Committee began steps this week to ask the General Assembly to change the fee schedule for easements for such things as commercial docks and piers. Committee members expressed their frustration that the state wasn't seeing fees in line with the fair market value of the public trust waters taken. Committee member Mac Currin, chairman of the NC Marine Fisheries Commission, stated, "I feel like the state is being underpaid for the use of public trust waters." Although the state doesn't require an easement for docks with less than 10 slips, easements are required for docks with more than 10 slips or those used to generate revenue. These easements are granted for 50 years and the holder has an automatic right to renew for an additional 50 years. "The state gets a one-time - and in my opinion inadequate - fee for the use in perpetuity," Currin said. Officials also expressed frustration that easement rights are also sold with private slips for as much as $180,000 with no impact on the state's easement revenues. Revenues generated by the proposed fees are tentatively planned to improve water access. More on the dock fee changes is available from the New Bern Sun Journal.

Archive Link 0 Comments Tell a Friend