Threatened Chesapeake Bay island recognized

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Tangier Island, a speck of land in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay where islanders speak a hybrid English accent, is headed to the state’s catalog of historic places and a likely spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Proponents of the designations are hopeful the recognition will raise awareness of the remote, low-lying fishing outpost and the threats it faces from rising bay waters and fierce storms. The designations also make loans available for damage caused by Hurricane Sandy and for historic preservation tax credits, among other benefits.