Bill Overview
Title: Oregon Inlet Jetty Feasibility Study Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study and report on the feasibility of constructing a dual jetty system at Oregon Inlet, North Carolina. The Oregon Inlet is located along North Carolina's Outer Banks and joins the Pamlico Sound with the Atlantic Ocean.
Sponsors: Rep. Murphy, Gregory [R-NC-3]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals residing near or dependent on the Oregon Inlet, North Carolina
Estimated Size: 50000
- The construction of a dual jetty system can impact local communities, particularly those involved in fishing, tourism, and other maritime industries.
- North Carolina's Outer Banks are a significant tourist destination, thus changes in infrastructure could affect local businesses that cater to tourists.
- Nearby residents may experience changes in environmental conditions that could affect their homes, such as alterations in the beach landscape, erosion patterns, and potential changes in local ecosystems.
- Fisheries and marinas in and around the Pamlico Sound may be affected by the construction and the subsequent environmental changes in the inlet.
- A feasibility study may also indirectly involve various stakeholders, including environmental groups, local government entities, and businesses in decision making.
Reasoning
- The policy affects a localized population, specifically those residing or operating businesses in the Oregon Inlet area, so the simulations will focus on individuals connected to this region.
- Given the budget constraints, the direct impacts in terms of infrastructural changes are limited. The policy's primary impact will revolve around feasibility study consultations rather than immediate physical modifications.
- The potential impact levels may vary based on proximity to Oregon Inlet, dependence on maritime activities, and environmental priorities of stakeholders.
- Since the policy is a feasibility study, long-term impacts are speculative and likely tied to future decisions based on study outcomes.
- Perspectives from a range of stakeholders, including local businesses, environmentalists, and residents, will provide a comprehensive view of the policy's potential impact.
Simulated Interviews
Commercial Fisherman (Manteo, NC)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about how the construction might change our fishing routes.
- If they decide to build, I hope it improves the waterway access for us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Hotel Manager (Nags Head, NC)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A dual jetty system might attract more tourists if it stabilizes our beaches.
- I'm worried about the potential environmental damage during construction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Marine Biologist (Kill Devil Hills, NC)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The feasibility study must prioritize ecological impacts.
- I'm wary of the long-term effects on local marine life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Local Government Official (Oregon Inlet, NC)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The study needs to be transparent and include community input.
- This could be a key development for regional economic growth.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Tourist Business Owner (Rodanthe, NC)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stable beach conditions could enhance my business income.
- I need assurances that local tourism won't be disrupted during any construction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Environmental Non-profit Worker (Avon, NC)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about the construction's environmental footprint.
- The feasibility study should closely consider the non-human impacts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Marina Owner (Hatteras, NC)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A dual jetty might help improve navigational access, boosting business.
- Any construction might temporarily inconvenience operations, so planning is key.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired Resident (Buxton, NC)
Age: 67 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about noise and changes from potential construction.
- Preserving the local beauty is important to me and my community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Consultant (Remote Worker) (Elizabeth City, NC)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's interesting to see regional development ideas, though I'm not affected.
- The environmental considerations must be balanced with development.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Local Artist (Duck, NC)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel that the integrity of our landscape is essential for our community.
- I'm concerned about how ongoing works might change what makes the Outer Banks unique.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $4000000)
Year 2: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $4000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The feasibility study is essential for evaluating environmental impacts and the technical aspects of constructing a jetty, which is crucial before committing to expensive infrastructure projects.
- Any potential construction following the study could have significant local economic and environmental impacts.
- Public consultation may be necessary, especially considering potential changes in the ecosystem and local livelihoods.
- This estimate is strictly for the study phase; subsequent actions could incur much higher costs.