Town Marina Dredging and Boat Ramp Replacement at Riverside Drive, Clinton
Located in the scenic Riverside Drive area, the Town Marina provides the Clinton community with essential direct access to the harbor. Managed and meticulously maintained by the town, this facility has benefitted from several significant enhancements over the last decade, including the construction of a new bulkhead and upgrades to the decking. Offering boat slips through a lottery system and launch ramp services for a fee, the marina is a crucial local amenity that generates over $100,000 in annual revenue.
Dredging Delays and Revenue Impact
Currently, the marina faces a significant challenge as dredging operations are a year behind schedule. This delay has rendered approximately 25% of the marina’s slips unusable or only rentable at reduced rates due to lowered water levels or exposure. Regular dredging, typically on a five to seven-year cycle based on several factors, is essential for maintaining marina operations and is not considered an extraordinary project but rather routine maintenance. The town has already obtained the necessary DEEP permit to carry out these dredging works.
Boat Ramp Conditions and Replacement Plans
The boat ramp at the Town Marina has also experienced considerable wear and tear, leading to user injuries and damage to private property over the years. The current project focuses solely on replacing the existing ramp without any enhancements or increase in size, addressing safety concerns and improving the functionality of the marina.
This revitalization effort at the Town Marina not only aims to enhance the quality of services provided but also ensures the safety and satisfaction of its users, thereby sustaining its revenue generation and reinforcing its role as a key community resource.