In 2011, the North Carolina General Assembly mandated that NCDOT increase ferry revenue up to $5 million annually. To accomplish this, NCDOT must increase toll rates on the three routes that are currently tolled and begin tolling two additional routes by April 1. NCDOT hired a private firm, Wilbur Smith Associates (now CDM SMITH), to conduct a study to evaluate current ferry usage and research national standards. In addition, this study examined possible ferry toll increases as well as operational and infrastructure improvements necessary to efficiently and effectively implement toll increases and new toll collecting.