1927 public laws – Ch.264 Sec.1
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CHAPTER 264 AN ACT FOR RESTORING AND CONSERVING THE FISH AND SHELLFISH INDUSTRY IN THE WATERS OF ALBEMARLE, PAMLICO, CROATAN AND ROAN- OKE SOUNDS, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A HIGH- WAY TO ROANOKE ISLAND. Whereas, it is recognized that the closing of inlets in Albe- marle and Pamlico Sounds has greatly decreased the number of shad, rock herring and other migratory fish that come into these waters, and has so freshened the waters in these sounds that the territory available for the growth of oysters, clams, and other shellfish is greatly reduced and the supply of these fish, as well as other salt water varieties of edible fish, once a source of great profit to the State, is about to be lost; and, Whereas, the recorded and known information concern- ing the phenomena of nature responsible for and contributory to the closing of these natural inlets is not sufficient to draw conclusions from, or to render engineering judgment thereon, due to the conditions peculiar to that region; and, Whereas, it is desired to encourage the development of our eastern waters and the use thereof in order to derive the maximum of benefit therefrom; and, Whereas, it is desirable, if practical, to connect Roanoke Island by State highway with the mainland, thus completing the connection of all county seats with the State Highway System; Now, therefore, The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact:
That the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development and the State Highway Commission be and they are hereby directed jointly to make a survey and study of the waters of Albemarle, Pamlico, Croatan, and Roanoke Sounds with particular reference to the waters in the vicinity of Roanoke Island, and to report on the feasibility of separating the waters of Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds by means of dams and other structures across Croatan and Roanoke Sounds, either or both, for the purpose of concentrating the forces thereof in such a manner as to make possible the creation and maintenance of an inlet at the foot of Albemarle Sound, and the enlargement and improvement of Oregon Inlet in Pamlico Sound; and to determine at what places, if any, such inlets can be established and maintained and the practicability of utilizing such dam or other structure as a highway. These projects, or any alternative thereof, appearing to be feasible, the said departments are directed to make and submit an estimate of the cost of dams or other structures that may appear to be necessary to the Governor, to be transmitted by him to the next session of the General Assembly.