Proposed bill allows Pine Knoll Shores to annex part of Atlantic Ocean, Bogue Sound

RALEIGH - A Senate committee on Wednesday approved a bill allowing the town of Pine Knoll Shores to annex a part of the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound.

Sen. Jean Preston, R-Carteret, told the Senate Finance Committee that when the town incorporated in 1973 the corporate limits extended 2,500 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound. However 10 years later, when the Pine Knoll Shores commissioners annexed property into the town, they were prevented by state law from annexing the corresponding waterways.

"There are no people that live in that area," Preston said.

Pine Knoll Shores Mayor Joan Lamson said the ability to annex out into the water would allow the town certain rights that it otherwise would not have.

"It gives us the ability to dredge where we need to dredge," Lamson said.

"It would allow us to do dredging for recreational boats," Town Manager Brian Kramer said.

Lamson said that annexing into the waterways would also allow the town to prevent the building of "duck blinds," which are hunting platforms built over the water.

The bill will now go to the Senate floor.