The purpose of the fee discussion is not just for maintenance; the main purpose will be for land aquitsition to enlarge boat ramps, parking, or to add a deeper water boat launch if such a place can found at an affordable price.

If we do not come up with a funding source for such aquisitions, they will never happen, purchase opportunities  will pass us by and access to the water will be diminshed. it's always good to get the facts 1st before picking which band wagon you want to jump on.

BP

KEEP AN OCCASSIONAL RED HERE AND THERE FOR DINNER, BUT FOR

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SAVE SOME FOR THE FUTURE!

Located in Navarre just north of the bridge.

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We take in approx $65K per year from Boater registration fees. Of course we can use this money for artificial reefs, boater safety projects, and ramp maintenance. At this time we are able to keep up with these projects without dipping int our limited reserves.

So where do we find money for land aqusisition?

I/we are open to suggestions!!

BP

KEEP AN OCCASSIONAL RED HERE AND THERE FOR DINNER, BUT FOR

THE REST, PRACTICE HEALTHY CATCH & RELEASE TECHNIQUES

SAVE SOME FOR THE FUTURE!

  I feel that this is a good idea for the county to acquire more land for addn'l ramps. As for the fee I have no problems with that either as long as they offer a yearly pass like the ramps in GB. But you will still have the people that will try to beat the attendants there in the morning so that they can launch for free! That is where I feel the problem lies if you want to launch for free go to Texar! If you want to have closer access to the sound etc... then pay for a pass or use the honor box. I as well feel that violators of the honor boxes at pay ramps should pay a penalty (fine$$$$$) and put that money towards ramp upgrades and acqusitions. Just my opinion!

Chad

Chad Skeeles

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I'm wondering if we've exhausted our resources before implementing user end fees.

Here's a few ideas I've researched that might help our community.

Florida's Waterfront Partnership Program. The purpose if this program is specifically designed to help communities develop their waterfront properties.

CDBG.  Community Development Block Grants. Every year, Congress appropriates monies to states for waterfront development.

NOAA runs two grant programs for public access to state shores. States can apply and receive funding specifically designated for land acquisitions. Overseen by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management through its Coastal Zone Management Program.

The EPA has a program called the Sustainable Development Challenge Grant Program. The grants range from $50,000 to $250,000. The money given through this program are designed for conservation and development of waterfront projects.

And finally, Non Profit and Private Partnership Programs. Together with local businesses, money can be raised to sponsor waterfront property development.

Why do we just roll over and say, "OK" it's only $4 or $6 bucks each time I use it, it's worth it."  But WE'VE ALREADY PAID FOR IT!!!!!

I think it's time this forum got vocal with our elected officials for them to take some responsibility for proper management.  I'm going to ask Chris to install some links for Commissioners, Counselmen, Reps, Congressmen, and Gov. so that we can let them know firsthand how we feel about some of their crap.

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While all this goes on, the land gets sold and we miss the opportunity to purchase it. We need to have enough money in the kitty to either pay for it, or put a sizeable downpayment and then repay a bond from the income stream.

In other words we need to be able to act without constraints when the opportunity arises.

thanks for your comments.

KEEP AN OCCASSIONAL RED HERE AND THERE FOR DINNER, BUT FOR

THE REST, PRACTICE HEALTHY CATCH & RELEASE TECHNIQUES

SAVE SOME FOR THE FUTURE!

We welcome ideas that will allow us to provide funding for more parking and more boat ramps so that as time passes and our children grow, they too can enjoy our waterways with limited restrictions.

In order to understand, we need to separate County, State, Federal. We can only be concernd about county funding, because IF a piece of property comes up for sale that can be useful for waterway access, we need to be ready to act quickly; that requires money or an income stream to repay a bond. I have been working on this for nearly 3 years. With the exception of John Broxson's (SRC Dist 5) generous contributuion of over $200K out of his rec funds to purchase land for addtional parking @ the Oriole Beach Ramp, rec funds are almost never used for boat ramp improvments; Kudos to John for thinking out of the box! (that project took me 2 years of "never give up work"!)

The only money finding it's way back to us with direct access from the various taxes you mentioned is the money from the Boater Registration Funds from the decals we purchase. We considered raising the decal price, but the 1st dollar or $1.50 goes to the Manatee Fund; no help there for us! If you raise it too high, statistics tell us some boaters will register their boats in the next County; no help there!

So the real questions are;

1. Do we need more parking at peak times of the year
2. do we need more ramps, IE: deep water ramps
3. If you answer yes t either, how do we fund it??

If you got some ideas post them or come to the meetings, we'll take all the help we can get!

thnx for your comments.

BP

KEEP AN OCCASSIONAL RED HERE AND THERE FOR DINNER, BUT FOR

THE REST, PRACTICE HEALTHY CATCH & RELEASE TECHNIQUES

SAVE SOME FOR THE FUTURE!

Not to mention that I have to weigh out if its worth going for an hour or two after work and paying the fee or taking the risk of getting towed or ticketed.

If there is a fee, there should be a yearly membership that is affordable, maybe even a yearly and a 3 month or 6 month membership. 

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