PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OPENS FOR RELOCATION OF HISTORIC BODIE ISLAND STRUCTURES

Date: January 11, 2007
Contact: Outer Banks Group, [phone]

Superintendent Mike Murray announced today the National Park Service (NPS) will host a public scoping meeting on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm to share information and seek public comments on the relocation of the Bodie Island Coast Guard and Lifesaving Stations. The Coast Guard Station is the abandoned historic structure located near MP 22. The adjacent Lifesaving Station is currently used as ranger offices by NPS staff. This scoping meeting is part of the process to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

During the public scoping period, which is not restricted to this meeting, all interested persons will be given the opportunity to review and provide comments on the proposed relocation to a new site within Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The structures are currently in danger of destruction by the ocean. Relocation will ensure the preservation of these historic structures. Following relocation, the structures will be stabilized and restored.

The Park has established a website for the purpose of providing information regarding the proposed relocation project which will also provide the opportunity to submit written comments regarding the proposal. Beginning Wednesday, January 15, 2007 and ending Thursday, February 15, 2007, comments can be submitted without attending the public meeting by visiting the Park’s PEPC website for current information on this subject and submit written comments. The PEPC website address is:http://parkplanning.np.gov/. Choose "Cape Hatteras National Seashore", click on "Bodie Island Coast Guard Station and Lifesaving Station Relocation" or you can address letters to: Superintendent, Outer Banks Group, 1401 National Park Dr., Manteo, NC 27954. To ensure that the comments are included in the process, they should be entered or postmarked by February 15, 2007.