Currituck County News Archive

View older news items of interest to the business community in and around Currituck County.

Moyock a hotspot for new residential projects
Demand rising as Moyock continues strong growth trend

Gunboat leading NC boat-building rally
Luxury catamaran maker re-shores from China, creates 45 local jobs in OBX

Soaring Praise: COA Trustees laud new Currituck training center
37,000 SF center to prepare aviation, manufacturing & machining workforce

Poll: Moyock residents prefer rural lifestyle to suburban sprawl
Community feedback in Moyock Small Area Plan favors pockets of development within rural context

Rep. Walter Jones to meet with Navy on OLF 
Uncertainty over the OLF could be cooling growth prospects in Camden & Currituck counties

US House approves bill protecting Corolla Wild Horse herd
Rep. Walter Jones's bill would provide federal protection for herd

Currituck BOC approves budget with 16,5-cent tax increase
Tax increase required to maintain revenue-neutral budget with no cut to services

Currituck expects over $10M from occupancy tax 
Tax on rental properties to help fund Tourism marketing, beach services and County facilities

NC Commerce secretary discusses plan to overhaul economic development in NC
Governor and Secretary Decker seek to leverage more private dollars, seek efficiencies in remake

NC's regional economic development groups ask for 1 more year of funding
Move to reduce funding comes with Governor McCrory's restructuring of NC Commerce functions

Poor pavement sections on US-158 replaced by contractor 
RPC completes repairs to friction-course layer of asphalt after initial paving sections fail

Coastal farm co-op seeks to connect farmer and fork in the OBX
Co-op seeks to link local farmers and restaurants

Corolla's Hampton Inn sold to Ocean City, MD hotelier 
Harrison Group buys hotel from Turnpike Properties

New law may delay Hales Lake wind project
Law now requires project receive permit through NC Department of Environment & Natural Resources

Governor McCrory: Northeast Growth is tied to Virginia
Opportunities for economic development hinge on proximity to Hampton Roads

Currituck seeks ways to boost local economy
Economic Development & Tourism advisory boards, staff meet to discuss ways to improve off-season activity

Currituck to host 18-patient medical bus for regional emergencies
The FEMA-funded bus will be stationed at Lower Currituck VFD

Moyock wants more amenities, but at what cost?
Small Area Plan committee hears from County officials on the balance between taxes and services; rural and suburban development

Could Currituck's COA center become a full campus?
Center has potential for multiple course offerings outside initial Aviation, manufacturing training plans

Currituck eyes Fire & EMS needs
County to study further efficiencies, responding to growth

Company finding success with wave-generated energy technology on OBX
Company partnered with the Army Corps of Engineers Duck Research Pier

VantageSouth completes acquisition of East Carolina Bank 
East Carolina Bank in Currituck to be rebranded as VantageSouth Bank

Currituck golf courses Kilmarlic Club & Currituck Club named to Top 100
NC Golf panel ranks Currituck Club 71st, Kilmarlic 84th best in State

Seasonal businesses can learn to save during summer
The challenge of a seasonal business means prioritizing saving in summer to pay winter bills

Coastal legislators push new ideas to keep all NC ferries free
Advertising, WiFi and concession sales considered to off-set making ferry transport free

McCrory budget would toll Knotts Island ferry 
KI Ferry is one of 2 remaining free ferries in the State system

Mid-Currituck Bridge may have to compete for DOT funds 
NC Senate bill proposes to put all future toll projects into Mobility fund pool

Nor'Easter's reveal ancient stumps in Currituck's Carova Beach 
Remnants of maritime forest reveal history, but can prove hazardous for beach drivers

Will the Sequester wake up Hampton Roads' call for business persity? 
With over 40% of GRP coming from defense spending, the region needs perse growth

Wave of new flood insurance changes headed for NC coast
Major changes in Federal & State flood insurance are coming

5 companies vie for North Carolina off-shore wind farms 
Largest bloc available stretches from Corolla to Kitty Hawk

New sewer plant in Moyock could spark more building 
With up to 600,000 GPD growth capacity, the plant can serve 20 years of future development in Moyock

Bluewater Restoration employees earn certifications 
Employees now certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration and Certification (IICRC)

OBX homeowners insurance to increase 17%, less on mainland areas
NC Insurance Commissioner Goodwin approves rate increase in settlement with insurance industry

Local foods pioneer and Currituck businessman speaks at Local Catch Summit
Weeping Radish owner Uli Bennowitz shares experiences establishing farmer-to-fork concept in NC

OBX watermen struggle to stay afloat
Oregon Inlet shoaling, catch regulations a toxic mix for commercial fishing in the OBX

UNC Coastal Studies Institute opens to the public
Roanoke Island facility focuses on marine-related research for UNC system schools

Little change to erosion rates on NC beaches 
Currituck beaches show similar rates to previous years

Governor McCrory Joins multistate offshore energy coalition 
NC to partner with SC, VA on off-shore wind policy and development

Currituck's COA Aviation center to start hosting classes in April
$7 million, 40,000 SF facility will provide aviation, machining & manufacturing training

Job-seekers pack Currituck Chamber business expo
Event draws 300 residents, 50 businesses

Construction lags in region, while Moyock & Corolla show growth 
Currituck seeing some growth while greater region remains slow

Animal shelter, OBX sewer fixes are Currituck board's priority in 2013
Board to address new shelter, OBX sewer in 2013 capital budget

Airport advisory board encourages more hangar development
Group asks Board of Commissioners to explore more hangar construction

Currituck revaluation rules available online 
Property owners are encouraged to review values

Currituck to expand OBX water system 
Ocean Sands System to be refurbished, expanded

Moyock sewer plant now online, taps available
99,000 GPD plant to service residential and commercial growth in Moyock

Local spa owner wins grant to expand, add salon teaching school in Currituck
County and business partner on NC Rural Center grant to rehab vacant building

Off-shore wind lease sales announced for Mid-Atlantic, including VA
Move begins process for private developers to bid for off-shore wind farms

Local business leaders react to latest insurance increases for rental properties
Industry leaders feel summer rental seasons safe, but homeowners will suffer

Currituck seeks a high-tech future
Currituck County & VBL Technologies work to expand local tech footprint

Broadband project head confident high-speed backbone will help NENC communities
Project enhances existing networks, connects key community hubs

Currituck to assess options for future of fast-growing Moyock through small-area plan
County planners, citizens to collaborate on policies and plans for Moyock

Broadband is coming to Northeast NC, but what does it mean?
Future appears bright, but questions remain on 'last mile' broadband linkages

NC Agriculture leader: Future must balance farm & urban needs
Official notes agriculture's $71.6 billion-per-year impact for North Carolina

84-acre tract in Moyock rezoned for residential subdivision
Moyock continues pattern of steady household growth

Broadband expansion project will benefit Currituck, NENC businesses
Faster speeds, more capacity will help businesses & educators

Port of VA privatization talks push on as Panama Canal expands 
Growth opportunities provide backdrop to public-vs-private Port operations

NC Department of Insurance grants 13% increase for NC dwelling policy holders
Second homes and vacation rentals will see increases in insurance premiums

SBA to offer Disaster-loans for Sandy damage in Currituck
More loan details can be found at the SBA Disaster Loan page

SBTDC to offer free business counseling to Sandy-impacted firms
Contact the local SBTDC office for damage assessment, rebuilding options and other assistance

Currituck waives storm related permit fees
While permits are still required, Currituck will not charge Sandy-related fees thru November 30, 2012

Important information for post-Sandy repairs in Currituck County 
News release from Currituck County on required permits, waiving of fees through 11-30-12

Hurricane Sandy erodes dunes, damages beach accesses in Corolla
Overall damage is minimal for the Currituck Outer Banks and Currituck Mainland due to the storm

Hampton Roads region could lead in unmanned systems developent
Currituck & the Hampton Roads region boasts a compelling mix of academic, military and industrial assets to capitalize on the growing unmanned vehicles market

Currituck report shows increase in business activity 
Economic indicators show steady improvement in local economy

Building activity up in Currituck County 
Currituck Economic Indicators report shows across-the-board growth in construction, permit activity, tax collections and continued low unemployment.

Currituck a major contrbutor to State's $18 billion tourism industry
Currituck tourism & visitor spending buoy both local and state tax coffers

Chamber honors top Currituck businesses
Assistant Secretary of Commerce Lynn Minges gives keynote address to large crowd of business owners, local officials

Currituck's COA training facility construction on schedule
40,000 SF building to house FAA-certified programs for aviation training and other manufacturing training

Currituck produces video supporting Mid-Currituck Bridge project for NCDOT, state lawmakers
Video was shown to NCDOT Board of Transportation, will also be sent to state lawmakers

NC Lawmakers will get copies of video supporting Mid-Currituck Bridge
Video highlights the critical community, business and public safety needs the Mid-Currituck Bridge project will address

Crescent Financial - VantageSouth acquire East Carolina Bank
Acquisition not expected to impact Currituck's ECB Branch operations, but VantageSouth name will be coming

Currituck Board of Commissioners will wait on State, Courts to decide direction with Sweepstakes cafes
State Supreme Court and NC General Assembly expected to act on Sweepstakes Cafe's in the coming months

Marketing consultant: Visitors need more dining and lodging options, less traffic
Randall Travel Marketing recommends County, private industry work closely to improve tourism by diversifying lodging, shopping, dining options while working hard to support projects that will alleviate traffic.

Agriculture remains a major economic engine for Currituck, Northeast Region
Agriculture has a $55 million economic impact in Currituck County; Remains a major industry despite development pressures and unpredictable commodities markets

Currituck Rural Center to add more farming history to site
1930's style farmscape adds to boardwalks, kayak launch, camping sites, bathrooms, equestrian facilities and other amenities at this unique soundfront park in Powells Point

Currituck's Early College school SAT math, science scores beat NC average
The promising results show Currituck County Schools' focus on STEM curriculum is paying off for hardworking students and County's future workforce

Moyock residents pack room for Small Area Plan kickoff meeting
Strong citizen participation and interest in Moyock's future growth will help shape future planning and development in Currituck's fastest growing community

Regional job postings will soon be 'Tweeted' by NC ESC staff
Reacting to social media trends, the NC Employment Security Division will now use Twitter to announce new job postings, encourage traffic to their website for job searches

NCGA Candidates support Mid-Currituck Bridge Project
Several candidates vying for seats to represent Currituck County in the North Carolina General Assembly support the Mid-Currituck Bridge, although they differ on how to protect funding in the state budget

Corolla charter school opens 50 years after historic schoolhouse last hosted class
Waters Edge Charter School opens in the historic Corolla Schoolhouse after 50 years without students, community and parents are overjoyed

US 158 resurfacing project in Currituck enters final phase
Friction-course pavement now being installed; project to be complete in early November 2012

Currituck Buy Local campaign champions local businesses 
Combined efforts of Currituck Tourism, Economic Development and the Currituck Chamber of Commerce are raising awareness of Buy Local's impact, becoming a model for other regional programs

Currituck Tourism taking nominations for annual Hospitality Awards
Residents or colleagues - nominate the company or individual you believe best represents the best in Southern Hospitality Currituck County has to offer! Awards will be given at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon on October 11.

COA, NCSEA to host Clean Energy Connections training event
Meeting will present data showing growth in clean energy jobs, discuss opportunities at College of the Albemarle for training and workforce preparation

NC to study impact of bulkheads along the coast 
NCDENR set to begin study evaluating environmental impact of hardened shorelines along NC's coast

In NC's "Sportsman's Paradise" of Currituck, competition for duck blinds is fierce
State lottery for locally available blinds rouses competition among hunters, guides

Currituck Board of Commissioners approve new zoning map 
New zoning map makes changes to reflect new zoning changes approved in Unified Development Ordinance

Genessee & Wyoming Railroad to purchase Rail America 
Midwestern Shortline railroad consortium set to purchase Rail America, operator of the Chesapeake & Albemarle rail system running from Edenton through Currituck to the Port of Virginia, Hampton Roads.

Halting Mid-Currituck Bridge project could cost State over $10 M
Efforts to scuttle the long-awaited Mid-Currituck bridge project could cost the State in excess of $10 Million, damage State & local tourism industry

NWDB to host information session on Grants & Training for unemployed & underemployed
Attendees can learn about regional, state and Federal programs in the area to help pay for specialized training, re-training and other skill development.

New State law on Sea Level Rise takes effect
HB 819 prevents new regulation based on Sea Level Rise projections for 4 years; softens CAMA regulations for rebuilding coastal waterfront property

NC-20 holds regional meeting in Currituck, decries high insurance rates for the Coast
County hosts 85 attendees at coastal issues summit, discuss impacts of stormwater regulation, rising costs of insurance and Sea Level Rise issues.

Corolla Charter school on track to open in August 
Waters Edge charter school to have 25 students in initial class

Currituck to host NC-20 Sea Level Rise Forum
Representatives from Federal, State and Local government along with real estate and business leaders to attend summit on Sea Level Rise, Coastal Insurance and other issues impacting North Carolina's coast

Diners, Driveins and Dives visits Currituck's own Weeping Radish Brewery & Restaurant
Host Guy Fieri of the Food Network samples Currituck-brewed beer, locally crafted bratwurst and other delicious items in tour of the Outer Banks

Currituck Planning Board approves changes to new UDO for wind turbines
Changes allow more flexibility regarding shadow flicker, noise calculations for Utility-scale wind farm projects in Currituck County.

COA on track with new Currituck aviation building, program development
As the structure of the building a site take shape, COA works to compliment FAA-certified training programs with other mechanical trades and workforce skills

Currituck Chamber celebrates 15th anniversary, shows off new Moyock office
The Currituck Chamber staff and board welcomed members, politicians and friends to a 15th anniversary celebration, co-hosted by Twiford Law Firm.