Last October, Town Council voted to let the cooperative agreement with the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) governing the harbor boat ramps expire. Currently, the ramp is in marginally good shape, but down the road, it will require a large amount of maintenance. The cost would be over $700k.
After DWR was alerted to the Cape Charles’ decision, their staff contacted the town to try to find a way to keep the facility in the free public access program.
Part of the agreement is an exchange for more certainty on the timing of a future renovation. DWR estimates that a major renovation of the boat ramp would be in the $750,000 range.
However, Cape Charles would lose arond $250k in revenue generated from user fees. According to town staff, they are shifting gears and changing to a shorter-term agreement. They will add this analysis to the Harbor Capital Plan Evaluation which is upcoming.
Below is the propsed five-year agreement; attachment:
- DWR would perform several deferred maintenance items repair this year, estimated at about $50K
- The Town would agree to maintain the facility to acceptable standards
- The Town would be allowed to close the facility for special events for one day, twice per year*
- Free public access
The boat ramp agreement will be on the agenda for the June 17th Town Council Regular Meeting
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