RODANTHE (AP) — Hatteras Island residents are discussing the best long-term solutions for N.C. 12 now that the N.C. Department of Transportation has made suggestions for more permanent repairs to breaches caused by Hurricane Irene.

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk, Va., reported today that residents met Tuesday in Rodanthe to view the DOT's suggestions. A meeting also was held Monday in Manteo.

For the Pea Island breach, DOT is considering two plans that call for a permanent bridge and two that require patching the island with sand. For a spot in Rodanthe, the DOT is considering three bridge options and one involving beach renourishment.

Two Dare County commissioners at Tuesday's meeting said they weren't ready to reveal which plans they favor. Board chairman Warren Judge and Allen Burrus, a Hatteras native, said they would advocate for the most feasible permanent solution.

Hundreds were stranded when Hurricane Irene sliced through the island in August. It took days to establish an emergency ferry route, which ran around the clock from Rodanthe to Stumpy Point on the Dare County mainland until the new bridge opened Oct. 10. The trip took two hours, and waiting to get aboard could take even longer.

Burrus said he hoped the fix, whatever it may be, is "least invasive to the village of Rodanthe. We'd like for it to keep its character."

Judge said he'll advocate for what the majority supports, but he doesn't believe the public has decided which option is best.

"Everybody has an opinion. Everybody has an idea," Burrus said. "Put it in writing and get it to the state."

The state DOT could make a decision on both sites early next year. It hopes to award construction contracts for both projects by December 2012.

For more information, visit the DOT's site at ncdot.org/travel/nc12recovery.