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RALEIGH, N.C. — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has entered into an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to open a public fishing area (PFA) on an NCDOT 555-acre property in Grimesland.

The proposed PFA area will be constructed off North Grimesland Road, where there are several shallow ponds located on both sides of the roadway. It will be the first NCWRC-managed PFA in Pitt County.

“I appreciate the coordination between Wildlife and NCDOT with my office to get this land converted to public use,” said N.C. Rep. Keith Kidwell. “Many generations fished the waters along Grimesland Bridge Road and that opportunity will be available again with the addition of fishing access trails to facilitate bank fishing and access for small boats, such as kayaks. I’m sure Pitt and Beaufort County families are going to enjoy nearby access to recreational lands. Personally, I can’t wait to fish for some largemouth bass on these ponds.”

The site will include parking on both sides of the roadway, a kiosk with fishing rules and regulations signage, and availability for the public to bank fish in nearby ponds.

“Having additional recreation facilities open to the public is wonderful for the community,” NCDOT’s Division Engineer Jeremy Stroud said. “The department urges people to respect the property, including keeping it litter free, when it opens.”

Construction will begin later this summer and is expected to be completed this fall when the site will officially open to the public.

“This is an excellent partnership project with NCDOT. This public fishing area will allow residents and visitors to fish safely and enjoy this public resource,” said NCWRC Assistant Chief and Land Acquisition Manager for Land and Water Access Division, Ben Solomon.

There are more than 260 NCWRC public fishing areas across the state. To review access areas, please visit NCWRC’s website.