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Free Ferries Go Tolling in NC | Wilmington News
North Carolina’s new budget shocks coastal communities by turning free ferries into toll roads—starting January 2027. The state plans to charge riders to fund new boats and eco-upgrades, but locals see these waterways as vital arteries for daily life and tourism. Two senators even protested the move. With millions using routes like Hatteras-Ocracoke annually, critics argue ferries deserve state funding like highways. A $150 annual commuter pass is proposed, but it’s unclear how tolls will interact with existing routes. The money could also power electric ferries as fuel prices climb—making…
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