Pine Knoll Shores Nc

Budget challenges slow pier projection

EMERALD ISLE — State budget challenges have slowed but not stopped plans to build a new ocean fishing pier in Emerald Isle through a partnership with the North Carolina Aquariums.

Design work for the Aquarium Pier at Emerald Isle will be completed later this year, but the move into the construction phase for the main pier complex will be delayed, town and aquarium officials said.

Allen Monroe, director of the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, said there is money available for construction in 2011 of the small, sound-side pier on Bogue Sound, but current budget conditions will push back construction plans for the proposed 1,000-foot-long ocean fishing pier and pier house.

The town and N.C. Aquariums had been targeting the use of aquarium admission receipts to help pay the bulk of the $16 million to $18 million estimated for construction, but under all the current state budget proposals, those revenues have been redirected to other uses.

While that revenue source may be available again in the future, project leaders are now at work on finding grants and other ways to fund construction.

“We’re working closely with the town on different ideas and funding strategies,” Monroe said.

The N.C. Aquariums and the Town of Emerald Isle formally announced their partnership in November 2007 and plans to make Emerald Isle the site of one of three ocean fishing piers along the coast that will be owned and operated as satellite facilities of the state’s aquariums.

The aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a partner on the plans for the central coast pier to be built at the former Emerald Isle Pier site, which is now the Eastern Ocean Regional Access.

With the first project, the new Jeanette’s Pier at Nags Head, now open the public will see the benefits of the piers, from the educational opportunities to the contribution to the area’s tourism industry, according to project supporters.

“We think (Jeanette’s Pier) will serve as a good role model and show people how successful that it is,” he said.

The plans for the Aquarium Pier at Emerald Isle call for the oceanfront pier to be constructed with concrete supports to better withstand hurricanes and wood decking to keep the feel of a traditional pier. The pier house will include all the traditional amenities with classroom space and educational exhibits.

The sound-side pier will be located on the opposite side of N.C. 58.

The Stir Crazy Moms' Guide to Durham: North Carolina Aquarium at ...

The Wilmington area is a fabulous place to head down for a beach vacation.  It's only about 3 hours from Durham and the beaches are wonderful.  In addition to the beach there's also the city itself with all of the shopping and restaurants of a good-sized city.  While it's nice to spend time at the beach, occasionally everyone needs something else to do on vacation.  If you're in the Wilmington area you can head just south of the city to one of the NC Aquariums at Fort Fisher. What it is: The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher has all of the essentials of a first-rate aquarium: floor to ceiling fish tanks filled with fish of all colors and sizes, scuba divers in the tanks to watch as they actually talk to the observers outside the tank, shark jaw skeletons, and even pools where you can feel the sea creatures yourself.  There is also an area with alligators and some bigger animals and also guides that walk around with various educational exhibits to show everyone. What we liked: We love how kids can see all types of sea creatures at the aquarium.  We love how they can touch and feel the creatures at the aquarium as well as see them.  We especially love how there's not just one NC Aquarium like this.  There are actually three NC Aquariums all located at locations along NC's beautiful coast: Manteo, Pine Knoll Shores at Atlantic Beach, and Fort Fisher.  One of our other favorite things about the aquariums is that you can get in free to any of the NC aquarium with your membership to the NC Zoo. (A family membership can be purchased for only $49 when you use the discount code ML11.) *Back Porch Music on the Lawn, June 10 and 17, 6pm, American Tobacco Campus *Maker Faire North Carolina, Saturday June 18, 10am-5pm, NC State Fairgrounds, http://makerfairenc.com/ *Calico Critter Play Day, Saturday June 18, 10am-12:30pm, The Children's Store, http://www.thechildrensstoreinc.com/chapelhillbestkidevents.html *Bull City Chili Challenge, Saturday June 18, 11am-2pm, Durham Central Park, http://www.durhamcentralpark.org/ *Durham Food Truck Rodeo, Sunday June 19, 5-7pm, Durham Central Park, http://www.durhamcentralpark.org/ *Pops for Pop-Father's Day Tribute Celebration, June 19, 5-7pm, American Tobacco Campus, http://www.americantobaccohistoricdistrict.com/ *American Dance Festival Community Day, Saturday, June 25, 2pm-4pm, Nasher Museum, www.americandancefestival.

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