NC H1002

Restores state control over ferry toll setting by removing the Board of Transportation's authority to establish tolls on untolled ferry routes and eliminating toll collection procedures effective July 1, 2016.

Appropriates $13,376,250 in recurring Highway Fund money for fiscal year 2016-2017 to a reserve account for State Ferry System improvements, including marine vessel acquisition and terminal infrastructure.

Requires the Department of Transportation to report to legislative committees before acquiring or constructing marine vessels and to provide quarterly reports on capital improvement plans, project status, and reserve account obligations.

Directs remaining ferry toll reserve account funds as of the effective date to be used for initiating passenger-only ferry service on the Hatteras-Ocracoke route.

Removes provisions exempting jurors from paying ferry tolls and eliminates previous regulatory language requiring local transportation planning organization approval for toll establishment.