New bill in state house could impact beach town parking costs, where revenue goes [Video]

OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C. (WECT) – A new bill filed in the North Carolina State Legislature could impact how much parking costs – and where the proceeds go – in certain beach towns.

The legislation, filed Feb. 17 and sponsored by Rep. Frank Iler – who represents Brunswick County – would allow the towns of Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach to use proceeds from on-street parking in the same manner proceeds from off-street parking are used.

The bill would mean the funds can help with things other than just parking improvements. These could include upgrading beach access points, showers, and handicapped Mobi-Mats.

“Because we’re resort towns and beach communities, there’s a lot of things that we provide for the public to have access to the beach in addition to parking spaces,” said Ocean Isle Beach mayor Debbie Smith.

The bill could further incentivize beach towns to raise their cost of parking, with the option …