BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON

EDENTON — At Monday’s (July 28) Edenton Town Council meeting, officials from Harbor Towns Inc. delivered an encouraging update on the regional waterfront initiative aimed at boosting tourism across five northeastern North Carolina towns.

About 30 people attended the meeting at the municipal building at 504 S. Broad St., Edenton. More on Monday’s meeting will appear in a future article.

The Harbor Towns project — supported by state grants and local partnerships — is proving to be more than just a proof of concept, said Nick Didow, president and CEO of the nonprofit. It’s already drawing visitors, stimulating local business, and preparing for significant infrastructure upgrades.

Also, the town council, along with the other governments for the municipalities involved in the project, will have to prioritize which waterfront projects they want to tackle first. A state grant, designed to fund improvement projects related to hosting Harbor Town events, is set to expire in about a year.

Bringing Tourists to the Albemarle Sound

Didow opened the presentation by reaffirming the project’s core mission: to introduce visitors from outside the Albemarle region to five “harbor towns” — Edenton, Elizabeth City, Hertford, Columbia, and Plymouth — via a fleet of excursion and dinner boats.

“This is a proof of concept to see even with a limited amount of boats whether we can do that,” Gayo said. “And the answer is a resounding yes.”

So far this year, cruises have drawn sold-out crowds, with approximately 1,500 passengers, 45% of whom are from outside the region. According to Ted Warren, managing director of bookings and events, Harbor Towns not only showcases the area’s natural beauty but also directly supports local businesses.

“When we buy hardware, we go to local suppliers,” Warren said. “The boats bring in folks from outside the region who stay for weddings, community events, and festivals — people who wouldn’t have known Edenton otherwise.”

Local Benefits and Community Engagement

Local residents are not left out of the experience. Harbor Town recently launched a season pass program that allows locals to board cruises in any of the five towns at no additional cost. This “homeport tourism” model lets Edenton citizens, for example, ride to Elizabeth City for an evening cruise and return the same night.

Warren noted that overall, passengers have been enthusiastic and positive regarding their trips.

“We’ve created an affordable way for locals to enjoy what we’re offering while still attracting outside dollars into our towns,” Warren added.

Harbor Town officials noted the possible expansion of their partnership with groups, including the Barker House for the Christmas Candlelight Tour.

Infrastructure Improvements: A Race Against Time

Harbor Towns Inc. is also responsible for managing a second state grant aimed at enhancing waterfront infrastructure in all five participating towns. In Edenton, this includes repairs to the breakwater, upgrades to restrooms and docking facilities, and potentially constructing a two-story harbor master pavilion.

But time is tight.

According to Didow, the directed grant from the General Assembly must be spent or encumbered within the next year, or the funds will revert to the state. He encouraged the town council to meet soon to prioritize the work being done at the waterfront to secure funding.

“We need initial cost estimates and project prioritization now,” he stressed. “There’s a sense of urgency.”

Engineers Eye Breakwater Repairs and Pavilion Upgrades

Chris Morris of AR Chesson Engineering detailed several infrastructure projects under review. One focus is the repair of cracked pilings in the breakwater which extends out from Broad Street into Edenton Bay.

He noted that the breakwater was built 25-30 years ago and many of the pilings are damaged. Engineers are considering encapsulating the damaged portions using marine-grade epoxy injection systems — a technique designed to fill structural voids and reinforce the waterfront’s resilience against wave action.

“There’s a lot of exposure here in Edenton compared to other towns,” said Town Manager Corey Gooden. “The wind and wave action are constant. We’ve got unique challenges.”

Other proposed projects include:

• A new fuel storage system for the marina (currently in procurement)
• A small welcome pavilion at the breakwater
• A redesigned restroom and harbor master’s office (located where the bathrooms are at waterfront park) with elevated visibility
• Additional visitor amenities, such as improved docking points and signage

While initial designs are complete for some projects, final pricing and prioritization are still pending.

Morris estimated that the cost of the bulkhead repairs (estimated to be about $300,000) and restroom/office could be paid by the town’s grant funding, which is $2 million.

Operations and Maintenance: A Veteran at the Helm

Senior Captain Randall “Ran” Keller, a retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, spoke about the behind-the-scenes work required to maintain the boats’ seaworthiness. With experience in federal maritime safety, Keller emphasized that passenger and crew safety is paramount.

“Our vessel is a steel-hulled boat. It always needs maintenance,” he said. “From fire suppression systems to welding and sewage services, we are using vendors across the region.”

He added that Harbor Towns makes every effort to contract with local service providers in each port town whenever possible.

As of the meeting, both the Moses Grandy and Albemarle Queen are operational, Keller. The Coast Guard will inspect the Penelope, a high-speed ferry, on Aug. 5. If the boat passes inspection, it will be able to take passengers.

Boat Operations: Improving and Expanding

Harbor Towns’ current operating vessels — Moses Grande and Albemarle Queen — are now running smoother after a rocky start in 2024. The third boat, Penelope, has undergone extensive repairs and is scheduled for Coast Guard inspection on August 5.

“The boats were a challenge at first,” Didow admitted. “But now we’re at a point where operations are consistent and safe.”

Bookings can be made by calling 1-844-881-BOAT or emailing info@harbortowns.org.

Council Response: Enthusiasm and Encouragement

Members of the Edenton Town Council expressed appreciation for Harbor Towns’ commitment and transparency. Several emphasized the need to act quickly on infrastructure priorities before the grant window closes.

“This is a big deal,” said one council member. “We need to move forward and take full advantage of this opportunity.”

Looking Ahead

As Harbor Towns enters its next phase — moving from demonstration to permanent presence — the pressure is on to complete the necessary upgrades. However, the early success of the boat tours and the community’s response suggest that the initiative is on course for long-term impact.

“This has been a vision for almost 30 years,” said Didow in closing. “It’s wonderful to finally be at the point of turning that vision into reality.”

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Other Harbor Town Improvements

Waterfront and dock infrastructure projects are planned for several towns, with construction already underway in Elizabeth City and Edenton.

In Elizabeth City, a bathroom facility at Waterfront Park has been completed. Upcoming improvements include the extension and renovation of the community pier at Waterfront Park, the construction of a pavilion on the pier, and the addition of perimeter pathways. Signage and lighting upgrades are also planned throughout the park. At Mariners’ Wharf, new shower features, a side door and concession window, and three new large docks are in the works. Additional infrastructure will include electrical and water connections, new safety railings, and boat access gates.

In Plymouth, the historic Fire Hall will be retrofitted with new restrooms and shower facilities. The town also plans to install a fuel tank to serve both boats and county/city vehicles. A riverfront boardwalk extension is underway, accompanied by new lighting, access ramps, benches, and trash receptacles to enhance the visitor experience.

Hertford will replace its old narrow fixed docks and slips with new, wider floating versions. Deteriorated boat ramps will be fixed, and a new ADA-approved kayak launch area will be installed. A new dock for a kayak kiosk and rental shop is also planned. Engineering work is underway to support the installation of an ADA-accessible ramp connecting to the historic bridge at Missing Mill Park.

Columbia will replace its current boardwalks and install new benches, access ramps, and lighting. Planned work includes replacing old finger piers with new floating dock systems and constructing a new pavilion between Blackwater Café and the town’s municipal building. The kayak launch facility will also be updated. Additionally, the Town Commons area will be improved with new paving and refreshed surroundings.