rsimms
Well-known member
Periodically I see complaints here about the Riverpark Boat Ramp near the Hubert Fry Center remaining in disrepair since last winter's flooding (pictured). Earlier this year I had an intermittent dialogue with Hamilton County Parks officials. Last April they indicated repair was imminent. Obviously that didn't happen and I've been unable to get an update until I looped a couple of County Commissioners into the conversation. Today Tom Lamb, Director of Hamilton County Parks & Recreation, writes:
"Following my email to you in April, we received quotes for a new floating dock and anticipated moving forward with replacement.
The dock was in working order when the budget was prepared in Dec 2018 and replacement funds were not included. Quoted costs for the project exceeded the previously approved allocation for our operating budget. As a free public boat ramp with similar amenities nearby, the project did not meet Emergency Purchase criteria.
Our staff was able to make a temporary repair, as you stated below, to allow area boaters and fishermen to use the ramp.
Hamilton County General Government Departments prepare their budget requests in December/January each year. I will include a capital request for funding to replace the floating dock and improvements to the launch. If approved, the project will be included in our FY20-21 capital budget and work can begin as soon as 1 July 2020.
If you have additional input to help guide future improvements to the park, please share them with me at your convenience.
In the meantime, if our free public boat launch does not meet the needs of your commercial operation, we can assist you in locating alternative facilities.
Thank you again for your interest and comments.
Tom Lamb"
"Following my email to you in April, we received quotes for a new floating dock and anticipated moving forward with replacement.
The dock was in working order when the budget was prepared in Dec 2018 and replacement funds were not included. Quoted costs for the project exceeded the previously approved allocation for our operating budget. As a free public boat ramp with similar amenities nearby, the project did not meet Emergency Purchase criteria.
Our staff was able to make a temporary repair, as you stated below, to allow area boaters and fishermen to use the ramp.
Hamilton County General Government Departments prepare their budget requests in December/January each year. I will include a capital request for funding to replace the floating dock and improvements to the launch. If approved, the project will be included in our FY20-21 capital budget and work can begin as soon as 1 July 2020.
If you have additional input to help guide future improvements to the park, please share them with me at your convenience.
In the meantime, if our free public boat launch does not meet the needs of your commercial operation, we can assist you in locating alternative facilities.
Thank you again for your interest and comments.
Tom Lamb"
