(Manteo, N.C.) Dare County recently commended Congressman Walter B. Jones for introducing legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would authorize access for all users of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area. H.R. 4094, titled the "Preserving Access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area Act," would reinstate the Interim Management Strategy and prevent any additional restrictions on access to the seashore while providing corridors to the maximum extent possible. Warren Judge, Chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners said, "Congressman Jones has been a longstanding advocate for providing reasonable recreational access balanced with science-based resource protection. The millions of people who visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area and depend upon it for economic survival appreciate his commitment and efforts."
The legislation introduced by Congressman Jones follows a lawsuit filed by the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance (CHAPA). The grassroots group sought greater access for Dare County's residents and visitors rather than the severely restrictive mandates in the Final Rule recently implemented by the National Park Service.
Dare County Vice-Chairman, Allen Burrus said, "H.R. 4094 is a practical solution to provide recreational access while at the same time assuring that shore birds and sea turtles are properly protected. Our people, who have suffered harm under the consent decree, appreciate the legislation that Congressman Jones has authored." He added, "Now is the time for people everywhere who enjoy the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area to let their legislators know they support H.R. 4094." More information is available at www.preservebeachaccess.org
