Opening of Iron Steamer access at Pine Knoll Shores signals start of new era

PINE KNOLL SHORES – The opening of its first beach access site marks the start of a new era for this beach town, the director of the Division of Coastal Management said today (June 28) following a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We are thrilled that beach access has come to Pine Knoll Shores,” said Donna Moffitt. “North Carolina’s beaches are public treasures, and it is vital that the public be able to get to their beaches. As it opens the Iron Steamer access, Pine Knoll Shores also opens a new era of commitment to enhancing opportunities for the public to enjoy its beach.”

The Iron Steamer access consists of a walkway to the beach and parking for more than 50 cars. DCM awarded Pine Knoll Shores a $200,000 grant to help the town purchase the property for the access site.

DCM awards about $1 million a year in matching grants to local governments for projects to improve pedestrian access to the state’s beaches and waterways. Counties and towns may use access funds to construct low-cost public access facilities, including parking areas, restrooms, dune crossovers and piers. Local governments also may use the grants to replace aging access facilities, acquire land for access sites or revitalize urban waterfronts. Local governments must match the grants by contributing 25 percent toward the cost of projects.

The General Assembly established the Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program in 1981 by amending the Coastal Area Management Act. Money for the program comes from the legislature through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. Since the program’s beginning, DCM has awarded more than $10 million to local governments to establish more than 280 access sites along the coast.

###