The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1955-08-05
INLET
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The old "runaround" excuse that
the inlet can't be bridged until the
Federal Government "stabilizes"
the channel in the inlet was ex-
ploded in Manteo a week ago when
Col. r. l.. Hill, District Engineer,
told a group that one problem had
nothing to do with the other, and
that he considered the inlet i'm
provement project had nothing to
do with the bridge, and that his
department would not be concern
ed with the bridge, other than to
grant approval for its construc-
ton.
There is no need to give anyone
the run around, when he comes to
ask why Oregon Inlet isn't
bridged. There is only fair and
square answer to give everyone.
The bridge will be built when the
traffic demand forces its construc-
ton by proving to state officials
a bridge will cost less than ferries.
Not even then will traffic demand
alone cause the bridge to be built,
but aroused public opinion, and
public support, and pressure in be-
S. half of the project will result in
Its construction. And even then it
will require a Governor and High
way Commission with courage and
faith and willing to make special
grant of funds for this special pur-
pose, just as Governor Umstead did
about the Croatan Sound Bridge,
and Governor Ehringhaus about
the Albemarle Sound Bridge, and
as some other bridges were built.
1t will take a special grant of
money, for Division funds will
never permit building of this
project at any one time. 1t must
be remembered that there are many
counties h the Division, each Of
them clamoring for its due allot-
ment.
The great and prime factor in
forcing the construction of the
bridge over Oregon Inlet will be
growing traffic volume. Traffic
will increase as the attractions of
Hatteras Island become developed
and made interesting to its visitors.
Up to now, there has been prac-
tically nothing done to keep visit
ors interested. The majority of the
traffic going to Hatteras is one
day traffic. Tourists sojourning
north of Oregon Inlet make quick
run to the Lighthouse, the Park
Service Museum at Cape Hatteras.
They give the harbor the once
over, perhaps buy lunch at one of
the cafes, or else eat out of bas-
ket, and get back to Mays Head be-
fore night. This sort of traffic puts
a double load on the ferries at nor
mally the busiest time of the day,
and leaves very few tourist dollars
on the Island.
Thousands of people go to Hat
teras Island and never know any
thing of the many attractions it
offers. Beyond the few party
boats catering to offshore fisher
men at Hatteras, the attention that
is given to fishing business the
length and breadth of the island
is neglible. There are few people
on the island who are not favored
with the advantage of a Govern
nent income. There is lack Of
tourist mindedness to be develoned
+. on the island before people get the
most out of tourist business.
Hatteras Island has many poten-
tial attractions when properly
dressed up. 1t has many advan-
ages to call to the attention of the
people. It should make plain to
everyone that it has good in
Urinary with the services Of doc
tor and nurse. This is not suffi-
GENTLY known, but can be mighty
factor in making people happy aud
comforted.
There are many sites of ship
wrecks where great history was
made. Suitable markers nearby
should be erected to cause motor
lists to pause, to be photographed
beside and SO forth. There are
many other historical points. For
instance the invention of the Wire
less Telephone, whose discoveries
were the basis Of radar, had sta
ton at Kings Poink near Frisco.