Council approves submittal for tourism-impact grant to build NC-12 sidewalk from Hickory to Hillcrest

The Southern Shores Town Council voted Sept. 1 to authorize submission of a tourism-impact grant application to the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau to build a 5-foot-wide concrete sidewalk on the west side of NC-12 from Hickory Trail to Hillcrest Drive.

Town Manager Cliff Ogburn described the application and estimated construction cost at $531,000; he said the visitors bureau typically funds about one-half of such projects. "This ask would be to build a new sidewalk from Hickory to Hillcrest... we're estimating the cost at $531,000," Ogburn said. Councilmember moved to approve submittal and a second was recorded; the mayor called for the verbal vote and the motion carried.

Ogburn said the application is due this month and that, if awarded, the construction would be included in next year’s budget cycle. Staff also said the town will continue repairs on existing sidewalks in the current fiscal year and hopes the bicycle-pedestrian plan will produce public input to prioritize future projects.