RALEIGH, N.C. — State House and Senate lawmakers are scrambling this week for funds and fixes to reopen Oregon Inlet and dredge other inlets and ports.

While House lawmakers voted to allow Dare County to raise its local sales tax by a quarter-cent to pay for dredging, Senate lawmakers are working on a fix on the state's side.

The U.S. Coast Guard declared Oregon Inlet closed on March 28 due to sand shoals that are blocking the main channel under Bonner Bridge. Under the order, no boat with a draft greater than 2 feet can come within 100 feet of the bridge. Violators could face fines of $32,000.

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