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Going to Daufuskie Island? Be prepared to pay more

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Starting next week, residents of Daufuskie Island will begin paying modest fees for ferry trips on and off the island.

Under the current ferry system, residents are given tickets. The tickets are limited because the county only has a certain amount of money to devote to subsidizing ferry rides.

Passes are running out faster than expected. And some folks were making unnecessary trips.

"We had an instance of people getting on the (subsidized) ferry to get a pack of cigarettes because they're $2 cheaper off the island," said Chris Hutton, an islander who has worked with Beaufort County on ferry services.

He and county officials have crafted a solution.

As of Thursday, resident landowners will pay $2 and non-resident landowners $3 each time they board one of the subsidized ferries. Non-land owning residents will pay $5.

Senior citizens, students and disabled or handicapped passengers will pay $1, while guests of island residents will pay $6.

Hutton said he hopes the fees discourage wasteful trips while allowing the county to keep a wide variety of ferry runs available.

County deputy administrator Morris

Campbell, who along with Hutton presented the new ticket rates to about 35 islanders Wednesday night, said the announcement "was well received by the residents on Daufuskie."

"We feel we have made a good first step at getting them reasonable access to and from the island," he said.

Campbell added that the challenge now will be to make sure the county's relationship with ferry operators remains smooth so the county can continue to offer the island community a wide range of ferry times.

The county's primary ferry contract with Palmetto Ferry Company expires June 30.

Amelia Stevens-Benskin, a Hilton Head Island resident whose mother lives on Daufuskie, said she's pleased senior citizens will be able to use the ferries for a dollar each way.

"I definitely think this is the right direction, with the way funds are limited," she said.

According to Campbell, the county -- with matching funds from the state -- will provide about $100,000 for Daufuskie ferry service, the same amount provided last year.

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