Outer Banks News and Weather

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Hi CoCoRaHS Volunteers of Dare County,

As you may know, we are deep in the 2012 CoCoRaHS March Madness recruitment competition and we are looking for new observers across the state! We currently have 13 volunteers signed up for Dare County. I would like to see that number build to over 20 people but we need your help! If you could help spread the word to your friends and family then I'm sure we can increase the number of volunteers along the Outer Banks. I have attached a news article below. The CoCoRaHS folks at national headquarters have made an excellent short youtube video explaining the CoCoRaHS program here: http://youtu.be/M5-sXXg9M30 , feel free to pass that along as well! Thanks in advance for your help!

Regards,

David Glenn
Meteorologist
NC CoCoRaHS State Coordinator
National Weather Service
Weather Forecast Office Newport/Morehead City
533 Roberts Road
Newport, NC 28570
252-223-5737 ext. 7
www.weather.gov/mhx
www.cocorahs.org

Wanted: Volunteer Weather Observers

Do you ever wonder how much rainfall you received from a recent thunderstorm? How about snowfall during a winter storm? If so, then a new volunteer weather observing program needs your help! The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow network, or CoCoRaHS, is looking for new volunteers across Eastern North Carolina. The grassroots effort is part of a growing national network of home-based and amateur rain spotters with a goal of providing a high density precipitation network that will supplement existing observations.

CoCoRaHS came about as a result of a devastating flash flood that hit Fort Collins, Colorado, in July 1997. A local severe thunderstorm dumped over a foot of rain in several hours while other portions of the city had only modest rainfall. The ensuing flood caught many by surprise and caused $200 million in damages. CoCoRaHS was born in 1998 with the intent of doing a better job of mapping and reporting intense storms. As more volunteers participated, rain, hail, and snow maps were produced for every storm showing fascinating local patterns that were of great interest to scientists and the public.

North Carolina became the twenty-first state to establish the CoCoRaHS program in 2007, and by 2010, the CoCoRaHS network had reached all 50 states with eight to ten thousand observations being reported each day.  Through CoCoRaHS, thousands of volunteers, young and old, document the size, intensity, duration and patterns of rain, hail and snow by taking simple measurements in their own backyards.

Volunteers may obtain an official rain gauge through the CoCoRaHS website ( http://www.cocorahs.org/ ) for about $27 plus shipping. Besides the need for an official 4 inch plastic rain gauge, volunteers are required to take a simple training module online and use the CoCoRaHS website to submit their reports. Observations are immediately available on maps and reports for the public to view. The process takes only five minutes a day, but the impact to the community is tenfold: By providing high quality, accurate measurements, the observers are able to supplement existing networks and provide useful results to scientists, resource managers, decision makers and other users.

“North Carolina has the most complex climate in the eastern U.S.,” said Ryan Boyles, state climatologist and director of the State Climate Office, based at North Carolina State University.  “Data gathered from CoCoRaHS volunteers are very important in better understanding local weather and climate patterns.”

“An additional benefit of the program to the National Weather Service is the ability to receive timely reports of significant weather (hail, intense rainfall, localized flooding) from CoCoRaHS observers that can assist forecasters in issuing and verifying warnings for severe thunderstorms,” says David Glenn, CoCoRaHS State Coordinator and meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City.

How does one become a CoCoRaHS observer?  Go to the CoCoRaHS website above and click on the “Join CoCoRaHS” emblem on the upper right side of the main website.  After registering, take the simple online training, order your 4 inch rain gauge and start reporting!

“We are in need of new observers across the entire state. We would like to emphasize rural locations and areas near the coast, especially on barrier islands,” added Glenn.

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Chamber Supports Avon Fireworks Display

The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce recently sent a letter to Warren Judge, Chair of the Dare County Commissioners and Mike Murray, Superintendent of the National Park Service, requesting support for a Fourth of July Fireworks Display on Hatteras Island.

Representing over 1,000 business members from Corolla to Ocracoke, the Outer Banks Chamber sent the letter February 3, 2012 expressing support for a safe and professional Fourth of July fireworks display on Hatteras Island in the Village of Avon.

For years, the citizens and visitors to Hatteras Island celebrated America’s independence on July Fourth with a fireworks display in Avon. Since the unfortunate and horrific accident that occurred on Ocracoke in 2009, there has been no fireworks display on Hatteras Island.  This has been disappointing for residents and visitors. 

A group of business owners has been working with the Promotional Affairs Committee of the Hatteras/Ocracoke Island Council to arrange a safe and professional Fourth of July fireworks display in the Village of Avon during the summer of 2012. The group has already obtained the permission of the owner of the Avon Fishing Pier to use the pier for the display. They have also begun arranging for funding through donations from local businesses, including a large donation from the Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative, and by preparing applications for grants from the Outer Banks Visitors’ Bureau. Safety and professionalism will be of the highest priority and only a duly licensed and certified pyrotechnics company will be used for the proposed fireworks display.

Outer Banks Chamber Chair Robin Mann said the Chamber supports the efforts to bring back the fireworks display. If appropriate precautions are taken and a professional, certified and licensed pyrotechnics company performs the display, the NPS concerns should not be issues. Similarly, neither the Chamber nor the parties planning an official fireworks display have any interest in changing DareCounty’s stance on the legality of individual personal fireworks activities on Hatteras Island.

“The families of the Outer Banks have a long and patriotic history of service to the U.S. Armed Forces, especially the U.S. Lifesaving Service that has evolved into the present day U.S. Coast Guard,” said Chamber member and business owner, Stewart Couch.  Mann agreed, “It seems only fair that America’s Birthplace be allowed to host a professional fireworks display. The residents and visitors to Hatteras Island should not be denied the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends and to celebrate our nation's birthday as they have done for years.”

In an e-mail response from Dare County Chairman Warren Judge Friday afternoon, he stated that he is ready to meet with business owners and the National Park Service to consider the display.

“Dare County has always supported and will continue to support professional contracted fireworks displays throughout the County as prescribed by NC Law,” wrote Judge.  “In the aftermath of the deadly incident on Ocracoke Island the State of North Carolina enacted new rules and laws governing all aspects of firework displays.”

Judge suggested a meeting between parties involved and the fire marshall to consider the details and work to meet the new regulations.

The Chamber’s letter of support can be found in the Legislative section of www.outerbankschamber.com

Copies of the letter were also sent to Senator Kay Hagan, Senator Richard Burr, and Rep. Walter Jones, Jr.

http://www.outerbankschamber.com/clientuploads/Legislative%20Comments/LAC%20Fireworks%20Letter%20v3%20%2002%2002%20121.pdf 

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NCDOT Awards $13.3 Million to Resurface U.S. 158 in Currituck County

 RALEIGH —N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Gene Conti has awarded a $13.3 million contract to resurface U.S. 158 from U.S. 168 to the Wright Memorial Bridge in Currituck County.

RPC Contracting Inc. of Kitty Hawk was awarded the contract, and construction can begin as early as Feb. 27.

The contract calls for resurfacing, shoulder reconstruction and rumble strip replacement. It is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 16.

This is one of 39 contracts totaling $203.2 million awarded by Conti for highway and bridge projects across North Carolina. NCDOT awarded the contracts to the lowest bidders, as required by state law. The bids received on the projects awarded came in about 2.9 percent, or about $6.2 million, below NCDOT estimates.

Since Gov. Bev Perdue took office in January of 2009, NCDOT has awarded 511 highway contracts totaling $3.8 billion to ensure that all North Carolinians have access to jobs and educational opportunities.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, every $1 million spent on transportation creates 30 jobs, and according to the construction industry, every dollar invested in transportation generates $6 in economic impact.

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Information Regarding Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV Final Rule (From National Park Service)

The final special regulation (rule) for the management of off-road vehicle (ORV) use at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) was published in the Federal Register on January 23, 2012 and becomes effective on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. The rule designates ORV routes and authorizes ORV use at the Seashore in a manner that will protect and preserve the unique natural and cultural resources of this dynamic barrier ecosystem while permitting the use of vehicles on Seashore beaches and provide a variety of safe visitor experiences while minimizing conflicts among various users. Under National Park Service (NPS) general regulations, the operation of motor vehicles off of roads within areas of the National Park System is prohibited unless authorized by special regulation.

To provide more information about the rule and its requirements, the NPS has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) information sheet and a map showing designated ORV routes as well as pedestrian areas where ORVs are not authorized. The FAQ and map are now available on the Seashore’s website located at: http://www.nps.gov/caha

When the rule becomes effective on February 15, 2012, an ORV permit will be required to operate a vehicle on the designated ORV routes at the Seashore. Permits can be obtained beginning on February 15 at any of the three NPS ORV permit offices located at Coquina Beach, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center (Buxton), and the Ocracoke Visitor Center. These offices will be open year-round, seven days a week, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with expanded hours on weekends and holidays during the summer season. The cost of an annual permit (valid for the calendar year) is $120.  A 7-day ORV permit (valid from the date issued) will cost $50.

In order to provide the public with ample time to obtain a permit, there will be a transition period between February 15 and March 15 before the rule is fully implemented and enforced. During the transition period, the NPS will install new ORV route markers and information signs and begin implementation of the species management measures that were identified in the December 2010 Record of Decision for the Seashore’s Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan / Final Environmental Impact Statement. Visitor contacts during the transition will focus on informing the visiting public about the ORV permit and other beach driving requirements under the special regulation.

For more information, see the FAQ posted on-line at: http://www.nps.gov/caha; or call 252-473-2111 ext. 148.

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Chamber Board Opposes Gamefish Bill

The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce has adopted a resolution opposing the Game Fish Bill.  This resolution was passed at their January 25, 2012   meeting. 

The resolution stated that sinceall fisheries of the United States are a public trust resource belonging to everyone, that the Chamber Board opposes a bill that would restrict access to Red Drum, Striped Bass, Speckled Sea Trout and other fish species.

“The commercial fishing industry is an important component of the coastal and the state’s economic base which provides many direct and indirect jobs, taxes and other benefits,” said Chamber Board Chair Robin Mann.  “The taxes from tourism are a significant portion of the budgets of local towns, counties and the state, areas still recovering from Hurricane Irene.  Allowing only a specific group access to the resources would be unfair.”

Commercial fishing has been an important industry on the North Carolina coast for more than 400-years. One of the primary lures to entice visitors to the coast is the availability of fresh locally-caught seafood at the docks, fish markets and restaurants.

“We don’t see that there is a scientific basis for placing additional restrictions on the commercial harvest of these species,” said Mann.  “The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of its more than 1,000 members, requests that the North Carolina General Assembly oppose “Game Fish Status” for Red Drum, Striped Bass, Speckled Sea Trout and other fish species and ensure that access of this public trust resource continues to be available to all.”

The complete resolution can be found on the Chamber’s website at www.outerbankschamber.com in the Legislative Comments section.

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Requests Housing Assistance

In July of 2011 PCL Industries was awarded the job of replacing the Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet, subject to an environmental law suit brought against NCDOT by an outside group.  Since that time design work has been started and industrial properties have been secured for concrete plants and yards.  Assuming the law suit is settled, and permission to go forward is given, in late fall of 2012 the first staff will start to assemble on the Outer Banks.  In the next months the numbers will increase until the complete staff of about 135 workers will be in residence for up to 3 years.

 Nortech Commercial Realty has worked with PCL for the past three years securing needed industrial property, and has now been given the task of being the point agency to help employees with long term rentals.  It is anticipated that many of the families will need family housing of approximately 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms while others will require apartments of 2 or 3 bedrooms.  These are credit worthy skilled individuals who will come from all over the United States. 

We would love to lease from Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce members that have Property Management departments.  The Chamber staff agreed to send this to you so that qualified, interested parties could contact me. 

I appreciation your consideration of my request and look forward to meeting with each of you and working together to meet these long term residential needs. Please contact me using the information below:

Peter Thomson Nortech Commercial Realty 405 E Main St. Elizabeth City, NC 27909 peter@nortechrealty.com Ph. 252 267-4154

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Dare County Transportation Survey

The Transportation Planning Branch of the NC Dept. of Transportation, in cooperation with Dare County and all its municipalities as well as Albemarle Rural Planning Organization, is developing a transportation plan for the county.  The transportation plan is a long-range plan that identifies major transportation improvements that will be needed over the next 25 to 30 years. 

This survey is a means of identifying transportation issues that are important to the citizens, officials, and businesses of Dare County. It is available in both English and Spanish. The survey can be taken online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/darecountysurvey, or picked up at one of these locations throughout the county: In Duck- Town Hall, Ducks Cottage, Duck Post Office, Duck United Methodist; In Southern Shores– Town Hall, All Saints Episcopal; In Kitty Hawk– Town Hall, Aycock Brown Welcome Center, Lighthouse Christian Fellowship, Kitty Hawk United Methodist, Still Waters Baptist Church; In Kill Devil Hills– Town Hall, Kill Devil Hills Library, Baum Center, Dare Co. Water Dept, Dare Co. Planning & Zoning, Dare Co. Environmental Health, Outer Banks Presbyterian; In Nags Head– Town Hall, Jennette’s Pier, St. Andrews By the Sea, OBX Family YMCA, The Ark Int’l Church; In Manteo– Town Hall, Manteo Library, OBX Visitors Bureau, Dare Co. Social Services, Health Clinic, College of the Ablemarle, College of the Albemarle (Roanoke Island), Haven Creek Baptist Church, Free Grace Baptist Church, Mount Olivet United Methodist, Manteo Baptist Church, Manteo Faith Baptist; In Rodanthe– Dare Co. Water Department; In Frisco – Dare Co. Social Services, Dare Co. Planning, Dare County Water Dept, Health Clinic;  In Buxton­- Fessenden Center;  In Hatteras– Hatteras Library, Burrus Red and White.

If you have questions or for additional information about the plan, please contact Kerry Morrow at kmorrow@ncdot.gov or visit www.ncdot.org/doh/preconstruct/tpb/planning/DARECTP.html.

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