(AP) -- The economy is prompting Beaufort County to again study a regional ferry linking Hilton Head and Daufuskie islands with Beaufort and Savannah, Ga.
The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports Beaufort County administrator Gary Kubic says regional service could stabilize declining property values on Daufuskie and boost tourism and development.
Various groups have studied the idea but Kubic says the economy justifies another look. He says the resort that was once a major Daufuskie employer filed for bankruptcy last year.
The county has approached Savannah officials about sharing the cost of the study and might also approach Chatham County, Ga. Beaufort County now pays private ferries to provide transportation to Daufuskie, but it's become more expensive as fewer tourists and contractors use it.
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