Senators Burr and Hagan Introduce Senate Bill S.486 to Restore Access to the CHNSRA

North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan introduced  Senate Bill S.486 to preserve pedestrian and ORV access at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area on March 7,2013.

“Restricting ORV use on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has a negative impact on local communities and the local economy,” Senator Burr said.  “We must ensure that our state’s residents have access to North Carolina’s scenic treasures, and I am confident we can come to a compromise that allows people to have access while at the same time addressing any potential environmental concerns.”

Senators Burr and Hagan have been vocal supporters of access to CHNSRA as the situation has evolved over the past several years. They introduced similar legislation in 2012.  That bill went through the hearing process for the National Parks Subcommittee of the  Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. That committee failed to act on any of the legislation before it in 2012 and the bill died in committee at the end of the 112th congress.  The timing of their bill followed the introduction of  the House version of the bill, H.R. 819 on February 26th by Congressman Walter B. Jones.

OBPA President John Couch said, "We thank Senator Burr and Senator Hagan for their continued support of the visitors and residents of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.  They understand what the Outer Banks are all about -- access by the public to some of the nation's best beaches for family recreation.  We are confident that our Senators will be able to lead this legislation through the Senate so that we may once again enjoy this Seashore for the treasure it is."