Beaufort Harbor and Waterways Master Plan Advisory Committee

The Beaufort Harbor & Waterways Master Plan Advisory Committee worked closely with the Town's consultant Moffit & Nichols in order to complete a set of recommendations to the Town. The final master plan recommendation from the consulant and the committee's presentation of recommendations to the Board of Commissioners are below:

                                         Master Plan - Moffit & Nichols 

                                         Harbor & Waterways Master Plan Advisory Committee Recommendations

Background Information:

Beaufort is largely defined by the waters around it – Beaufort Inlet, Taylors Creek, Town Creek, Turner Creek, Back Sound. Beaufort’s economy has been dependent on these waters for its economy ever since its founding. At first for merchants and fishing, and now mostly for tourism, travel, and recreation.  Because of the town’s dependence on these waters, it is important that it manage this resource, and the infrastructure in and around them, in a sustainable fashion that supports the town’s economy.  

Purpose: 

To effectively address the many issues coming to bear on the town’s waters over the next few years in a coordinated fashion that supports a positive outcome for Beaufort’s residents and visitors, the Beaufort Board of Commissioners establishes the Beaufort Harbor & Waterways Master Plan Advisory Committee. This committee will engage the public and work with the town’s staff and consultant to advise the Board of Commissioners during the formation of a Beaufort Harbor & Waterways Master Plan.

Goals: 

 The following elements, listed in priority order, among others that may be identified during the process, should be addressed, coordinated, and integrated in the Master Plan:

1. Disposition of the Beaufort Docks (the current lease expires in 2024)
2. Reconstruction of the Front Street bulkhead between Turner and Queen Streets.
3. Reconstruction of the Front Street boardwalk
4. Consideration of establishing mooring fields in Taylors Creek and Town Creek (harbor of refuge)
5. Disposition of the National Park Service lease for the Town Hall Information Center and ferry concessionaire docks (the lease expires in 2024)
6. A dredging plan (which includes plans for the necessary environmental assessments required for dredging of Taylors Creek and Town Creek)
7. Suggested amendments to the Navigable Waters Ordinance
8. Opportunities for public access
9. Water quality and environmentally sensitive areas (examples follow)
   1. Best practices for reduction of black water and grey water
   2. Best practices for reduction of marine debris
   3. Protection of the Rachel Carson Reserve

Meeting Schedule and Reporting: 

The Committee will meet at least monthly, with a goal of holding its first meeting, including staff and consultant, within three weeks of appointments. Progress reports will be presented to the Board of Commissioners periodically, with a goal of completing the Beaufort Harbor & Waterways Master Plan by the end of FY22.  

Committee Structure:

The Beaufort Harbor & Waterways Master Plan Advisory Committee is comprised of eight members, who are selected by the Board of Commissioners, and one ex officio seat for a Commissioner.  The Town appropriated $40,000 in FY2021 to hire Moffat and Nichol, a consulting firm, to assist in the preparation of the Beaufort Harbor and Waterways Master Plan. 

Beaufort Harbor and Waterways Master Plan Advisory Committee Composition 

On June 14, 2021, the Board of Town Commissioners unanimously voted to appoint the following eight individuals to serve on the Beaufort Harbor and Waterways Master Plan Advisory Committee. 

The Town of Beaufort strives for diversity on volunteer advisory boards and commissions.