May 4, 2009

The National Park Service Outer Banks Group is about to embark a number of projects that will bring long-need repairs to facilities and  infrastructure at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

The $2.6 million in funds for the projects, which will be completed this summer and fall, come from 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 projects will provide jobs for 14 short-term positions.

The following is a partial project list:

Safety:

•    Restore lightning protection on the Cape Hatteras 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 Bodie Island 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
•    Rehabilitate Sandy Bay 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.

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