Three long-awaited and significant improvement projects were recently completed in Hatteras, Nags Head and Duck that will help enhance the quality of experience for Outer Banks residents and visitors for many years to come. These projects, supported with grant funding from the Dare County Tourism Board, are a few examples of how our community can benefit from the positive impacts of tourism.
Friends of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Renovation of Permanent Museum Gallery Space
Long-Term Unappropriated Fund Grant
On May 20, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum reopened to the public after the completion of an extensive renovation project that includes a new state-of-the-art gallery space that will continue to bring Outer Banks coastal history to life. The DCTB’s Long-Term Unappropriated Fund Grant supported the renovation of the permanent gallery space to include new scenic work, new exhibit cases, fabrication and installation of all exhibits.
Town of Nags Head
Epstein Street Public Beach Access Improvements
Tourism Impact Grant
On May 21, the Town of Nags Head held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of the newly reconstructed bathhouse at the Epstein Street public beach access. The DCTB’s Tourism Impact Grant helped fund a portion of the improvements, that include upgraded restrooms and showers with improved accessibility features to ensure a comfortable experience for all users, enhanced changing areas to allow for more space and privacy and additional storage and meeting space for Nags Head’s Ocean Rescue team.
Town of Duck
Duck Pedestrian Plan Improvements – Living Shoreline and Resiliency Project
Tourism Impact Grant
On May 22, the Town of Duck celebrated the completion of its Living Shoreline and Resiliency Project. The DCTB’s Tourism Impact Grant helped fund the construction of sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, a crosswalk, landscaping and related improvements along the west side of Duck Road from Resort Realty north to Sunset Raw Bar & Grille.
About Dare County Tourism Board Grants
The Dare County Tourism Board sponsors several grant opportunities each year to help fund and support various Outer Banks projects and events organized by non-profits and government entities. Event Grants are designed to support events that drive overnight visitation to Dare County during less-than-peak months (September 7 to June 15). In addition, the Board offers other funding opportunities through its Restricted Fund Grants, including Tourism Impact Grants and Long-Term Unappropriated Grants, supporting programs or services needed due to the impact of tourism. Since 1992, the Board has awarded more than 700 total grants to over 150 Dare County non-profits and municipalities, reflecting more than $22 million in funding that provides a tangible and sustained benefit for the Outer Banks community. For guidelines, applications and a list of past grant awards, please visit https://www.outerbanks.org/grants.
Jeff Schwartzenberg – Outer Banks Visitors Bureau – Community Engagement Manager