Albemarle Commission joins Currituck County in urging state action as service reductions loom
HERTFORD – The Albemarle Commission Council of Governments has joined other governments across northeastern North Carolina are mounting response to proposed ferry service reductions that could dramatically impact coastal communities, as a state budget impasse threatens to cut ferry operations by up to 60% on some routes.
The Albemarle Commission Board of Delegates, representing 10 counties and 15 municipalities in northeastern North Carolina, adopted a resolution on October 16, 2025, calling for sustained investment in the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Ferry Division and critical coastal waterway infrastructure. The action came just days after the Currituck County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed their own resolution on October 6 opposing proposed cuts to the Currituck-Knotts Island Ferry.
“Ferry services and navigable waterways are critical to regional economic vitality, tourism, public safety, and connectivity across our coastal communities, including Ocracoke, Knotts Island, and others,” said David Whitmer, Executive Director of the Albemarle Commission. “Adequate and predictable funding for the NCDOT Ferry Division, dredging operations, and related infrastructure is essential to maintain these vital services.”
Budget impasse creates crisis
The proposed schedule reductions stem from a budget impasse between the House and Senate in the North Carolina General Assembly over “mini-budgets.” Before adjourning until late October, the N.C. Senate approved $3 million in additional ferry operation funding to maintain last year’s service levels, as well as $4 million for shipyard work on the ferry Sea Level. However, the House version of the “mini-budget” did not contain these funds and was not voted upon.
Without the additional funding, temporary employees could be laid off and some ferry routes could see reductions of 50%. Ferry Division Executive Director Justin LeBlanc stated: “We know our state representatives and senators support the Ferry Division as evidenced by the proposed budget. We urge the General Assembly to approve these funding lines at the earliest opportunity.”
Currituck-Knotts Island route faces severe cuts
The Currituck-Knotts Island Ferry currently operates five departures daily from both terminals. The Ferry Division’s proposed reduction would limit departures to twice a day from each side – once in the morning and once in the evening – representing a 60% reduction in service.
Currituck County officials emphasize that the ferry serves as a critical mode of transportation for Knotts Island residents who travel to the mainland for employment, medical appointments, government services, senior programs, recreation, education, and other matters.
The ferry provides daily transportation during the school year for students of Currituck County Schools who live on Knotts Island. These students must travel to the mainland to attend Currituck County Middle School, Currituck County High School, or J.P. Knapp School, with a school bus utilizing the ferry to transport students each morning and afternoon.
“Eliminating the midday routes would cause hardship for the residents of Knotts Island,” Currituck County officials stated. “The only alternate route between Knotts Island and the Currituck mainland is a two-hour round-trip drive through Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, Virginia. A schedule reduction would also create logistical concerns for Currituck County Schools on days with an early release or delayed opening.”
Ocracoke and Hyde County face major impact
Ocracoke Island in Hyde County faces equally severe challenges. The most heavily used route in the state, Hatteras-Ocracoke, would see reductions ranging from 22% to 50% depending upon the day of the week. Additionally, the passenger-only Ocracoke Express ferry may be canceled entirely, and sound-class ferry routes from the mainland may not be able to operate the more frequent runs of the summer schedule in 2026.
Systemic underfunding highlighted
The Albemarle Commission resolution highlights several critical concerns affecting the ferry system’s long-term viability:
- Years of underfunding and delayed state budgets have limited the Ferry Division’s ability to modernize vessels, maintain service reliability, and keep pace with rising operational and maintenance costs
- Ferry routes are essential to regional emergency management, education, and healthcare access
- Consistent dredging operations, managed in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and federal partners, are necessary to ensure safe and navigable channels
- Ferry and coastal access directly contribute to the region’s tourism industry, generating significant visitor spending and tax revenue benefiting local economies throughout northeastern North Carolina
The NCDOT Ferry Division operates the second-largest state-run ferry system in the United States, providing vital transportation links connecting residents, workers, and visitors across the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. The ferry system supports local economies by facilitating commerce, sustaining tourism, and ensuring access to essential goods and services for isolated and island communities.
Call for legislative action
The Albemarle Commission urges the North Carolina General Assembly to prioritize the timely passage of a comprehensive state budget that includes adequate and sustainable funding for the NCDOT Ferry Division, coastal dredging, and related transportation infrastructure essential to the region and North Carolina’s coastal economy.
The Commission also calls upon state and federal agencies to collaborate on long-term strategies ensuring reliable, resilient, and equitable access to all communities reliant on ferry and waterway transportation.
Copies of the Albemarle Commission resolution have been sent to all members of the North Carolina General Assembly, the Office of the Governor of North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division, the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and the North Carolina League Municipalities.
It also appears below.
The North Carolina General Assembly is expected to reconvene in late October to address the budget impasse.