NCTREND: Public affairs.

• Author: Campbell, Colin

Our paid daily newsletter provides detailed interviews with key lawmakers. Q&As of other political leaders, and stories on 2022 election news and campaign finance. Plus lots of stories tracking daily happenings at the state legislature.

Here's some of what you missed. Sign up today at nctribune.com

NEW FERRY PLAN GETS FUNDING

Five small towns in the state's "Inner Banks" region are hoping to take better advantage of their waterfront locations around Albemarle Sound.

The recently passed state budget includes a $5 million grant to a group called Harbor Towns Inc., which for years has proposed a new passenger ferry service to connect the towns. The service will connect the towns of Columbia, Plymouth, Edenton, Hertford and Elizabeth City, with plans for a future stop in Manteo.

The money will fund the initial launch of the service next spring, covering the costs of two "fast" ferries and a dinner boat for special events. The hope is to bring tourists inland and spur development in towns that lack the visitors of their Outer Banks neighbors.

According to UNC Business School professor Nick Didow, who helped develop the proposal with local leaders, the hope is to attract Outer Banks vacationers who "might like a little change of pace from getting sunburned at the beach," Didow said.

FORMER LEGISLATOR LEAVES UNC BOARD

Former Rep. Leo Daughtry's sudden departure from the UNC Board of Governors left some wondering if he was forced off the board. He said that he wasn't asked to resign but alluded to the recent controversies he'd spoken out about.

"I believe I had done about all I could do on the Board of Governors, my influence had waned," the longtime Johnston County legislator told me. House leaders offered him a spot on the N.C. Board of Transportation, which he accepted.

Daughtry's exit from the UNC board comes after he strongly criticized the UNC System Office's move from Chapel Hill to downtown Raleigh--something that was mandated by legislative leaders without much discussion by the BOG. It's part of a $250 million project to also house offices of the community college system and the departments of Public...