New CRC chair hopes to aid economic development [Star-News, Wilmington, N.C.]

Oct. 21--Frank Gorham, the new chairman of the Coastal Resources Commission, says the 20-county coastal area covered by the commission's regulations is "under-realized, undervalued and underappreciated."

Eastern coastal communities account for 14 percent of the state's population, he said, noting that what the rest of the state may not realize is that it also accounts for some 30 percent of economic activity.

"West of Interstate 95, they don't understand or appreciate or respect or know much about our coastal communities," said Gorham, whose appointment to the commission was announced this week by Gov. Pat McCrory. "I think that's a shame, and one of my goals is to educate the rest of the state."

Gorham is an independent producer in oil and gas, with small interests in properties in Texas and Mexico. He moved to Wilmington permanently four years ago, letting his wife pick the family's landing spot after various professional interests moved them around the country for years.

Nags Head was a regular vacation spot for the family, he said, and the family purchased a house in the area in 1998.

Related to economic development in coastal counties, Gorham said he thinks there's "real room for improvement."

"Why aren't there more, better jobs in Wilmington? I think the Coastal Resources Commission can play a small part in helping economic development -- smart economic development -- along our coast."

The Coastal Resources Commission is a 13-member body charged with coming up with and implementing rules for coastal development within coastal counties. Within certain "areas of environmental concern," specific rules apply for development; those rules are crafted by the commission.

The last time the commission met was in July. Its work was temporarily halted since the General Assembly voted to end the terms of 11 of 15 members and shrink the commission to 13 members, as of June 30. A September meeting had been canceled because only four members were on the board.

"We've been in touch with the new appointees, and we're working on setting up a meeting," said Michele Walker, spokeswoman for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. "We're talking about getting it rolling."

Gorham was one of six new members appointed by McCrory this week, in addition to three existing members who were reappointed. Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger has also appointed two members; House Speaker Thom Tillis has not yet made his two appointments.

Also being named by McCrory this week was Suzanne Dorsey of Bald Head Island.

"My concerns are protecting North Carolina's coast and making wise decisions around our coastal policy," she said.

Dorsey added that there is "real opportunity" for risk management and protection of both the area's ecology and economy through the work of the commission. She said one of her main goals as a member is ensuring that the coast's future is "as bright as the past has been."

Neal Andrew of New Hanover County also was appointed from Southeastern North Carolina.

Andrew said he was honored to have been appointed.

"I do not have a preset agenda," he said. "I am going to be working on developing a list of items I want to learn more about and work with the rest of the commission to make some improvements where necessary to the policy governing development along our coast."

Metro desk: 343-2389

On Twitter: @StarNewsMolly

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