N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160A-682: Service area of Authority.

The boundaries of the service area of the Authority shall be determined by the Board of Trustees, consistent with the purpose of the Authority. The service area of an authority created pursuant to this Article may include, but cannot exceed, all of the following:

(1) The area of a tidal river, and adjoining estuaries, in the vicinity of a municipality that is only accessible by vessel.

(2) Terminals, parking, maintenance facilities, facilities utilized for tram and bus service, and other related facilities in or in the vicinity of the same tidal river and a municipality that is only accessible by vessel.

(3) Terminals, parking, maintenance facilities, facilities utilized for tram and bus service, and other related facilities in or in the vicinity of the same tidal river and a municipality in which the mainland terminal used to provide ferry transportation service is located. (2017-120, s. 1.)