Outer Banks Group Begins Work on Projects at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial

Date: May 1, 2009
Contact: Outer Banks Group, [phone]

The National Park Service Outer Banks Group announces the start of numerous projects to be completed during 2009 summer and fall seasons.  These projects are being accomplished using funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the National Park Service (NPS), and Eastern National.  In addition to the restoration of the Bodie Island Lighthouse and renovation of the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site facilities, the projects undertaken begin long needed repairs to infrastructure, and protect and restore cultural resources, enhance safety, and provide visitor services.  The following is a partial project list:

Safety:

-         Restore lightning protection on the CapeHatteras and Ocracoke Lighthouses

-         Replace breezeway roofing at The Lost Colony

-         Correct electrical and fire code deficiencies

-         Replace water pumps at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

-         Install “panic door bars” on The Lost Colony facilities

Visitor services:

-         Install picnic tables and grills at Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, Frisco, and Ocracoke Campgrounds, and Salvo Day Use Area

-         Replace informational signs throughout the Outer Banks Group

Cultural and natural resources:

-         Restore the exterior of the Ocracoke double keepers quarters

-         Rehabilitate the Ocracoke Lighthouse

-         Move and stabilize the Bodie Island Coast Guard Station

-         Paint historic Civilian Conservation Corps cabins

-         Repair the historic Hatteras Island Fire Cache facility

-         Replace the roof on the BodieIsland double keepers quarters

-         Restore the Bodie Island Lighthouse lens

-         Assist in the establishment of a stranded marine mammal response network

-         Assist with research on the effects of artificial lighting on loggerhead sea turtles

Infrastructure:

-         Repair pasture fences at the Ocracoke pony pen

-         Install RV pads for Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial volunteers

-         Perform cyclic maintenance of building exteriors

-         RehabilitateSandyBay restroom facilities

-         Replace decking at the Oregon Inlet Campground

“These projects will enhance the condition of our park facilities, provide improved visitor services, and address park needs that have not been addressed in quite a few years.  I believe that the local community and our visitors will notice the improvements and be excited about the change,” stated Deputy Superintendent Darrell Echols.

The projects will be accomplished using park staff, through the issuance of contracts, and by hiring local individuals to fill short-term positions.  The park plans to hire 14 subject-to-furlough maintenance positions in the near future and will bring back the Youth Conservation Corp program which the park was forced to discontinue in the early 1990s.  For more information please visit: www.usajobs.opm.gov or call 252-473-2111 ext. 243.