TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
THROUGH: Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator
Beth Powell, Parks, Recreation & Conservation Director
FROM: Wendy Swindell, Assistant Director Parks, Recreation & Conservation
DATE: August 1, 2025
SUBJECT: Coastal Technology Corporation Final Boat Ramp Study - Work Order Number 1
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BACKGROUND
Based on the growing public demand for trailered boat launch facilities in the southern sections of Indian River County, a siting assessment has been completed for the section of the western bank of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) between the Wabasso Causeway and the St. Lucie County boundary. Coastal Technology Corporation completed this work under Work Order Number 1 for FY 24/25. The siting study was conducted by applying applicable regulatory criteria, a desktop GIS assessment of available data relevant to construction along the IRL, and completion of a screening analysis. The results of the siting study were presented in the form of a draft report to the Board of County Commissioners on April 8, 2025.
ANALYSIS
The Board of County Commissioners requested modification to the draft report to include an inquiry to the Indian River Land Trust (IRLT) concerning potential use of their property immediately north of the S.R. 60 bridge, and a recommendation to add the boat ramp assessment to the County’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan for continued assessment. A letter from the IRLT was received; the letter declined the use of their property for a public boat ramp. A copy of this letter is attached for reference.
Coastal Technology Corporation has revised the siting study and provided a final version for the County. A copy of the final siting study report is attached, which includes a recommendation to incorporate the need for assessing the feasibility of constructing additional boat launching facilities into future Park Planning efforts.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
There is no budgetary impact associated with this item.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
1. 25-0419 - April 8, 2025, the Board was presented the draft findings of the boat ramp siting study completed by Coastal Technology Corporation.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Quality of Life
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff respectfully request that the Board approve the Coastal Technology Corporation Final Boat Ramp Study.