WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – On June 17, New Hanover County Commissioners discussed an abandoned boat vessel ordinance and new rules that may help people who drive electric vehicles.

Commissioners passed an abandoned vessel ordinance at the start of the meeting. This will create criminal penalties for people who leave their boats abandoned in New Hanover County waterways. The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office will have the authority to remove the abandoned boats.

People who leave abandoned boats will face a $100 criminal fine per day and a civil fee of $500 for each offense.

Commissioners also approved a text amendment request for electric vehicle standards. Commissioner Jonathan Barfield Jr. says it will make it so new developers have to install conduits to all parking lots with more than 25 spaces.

Conduits will be placed underground. The conduits will be there in case any electric vehicle stations need to be added in the future. Barfield says adding the conduits early will be more convenient for people who drive electric vehicles and businesses.

“We’re trying to be ahead of the curb,” said Barfield. “Make sure the conduit is already there so all they’ve got to do is come in, run their lines through there, connect their charging stations, and boom, you’re not cutting up parking lots, tearing down buildings, retrofitting anything. It’s just going to make the process a whole lot easier in the future,” he added.

Commissioners also discussed the financing of capital projects. The county is looking to borrow $37.5 million for capital projects. The money will be used to help build the Castle Hayne Fire Department, the North Chase Library, and other long-term projects.

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