Title
A Resolution in Support of State Funding Assistance for The Baldwin County Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Boat Launch Project
Body
WHEREAS, boating, fishing, and recreational watersports have long been a large component of recreation for Baldwin County residents as well as being a major draw for the Alabama Gulf Coast with significant economic impact for the coastal communities in Baldwin County; and
WHEREAS, as the population of the region has grown and continues to grow, the southern part of Baldwin County is experiencing increased demand to the existing public boat launch facilities for access to the Bon Secour Bay, Mobile Bay, Wolf Bay, Perdido Bay and the Gulf of Mexico through the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway; and
WHEREAS, as the public boat launches are overwhelmed and currently do not provide the infrastructure necessary to safely accommodate boaters, addressing those pressures is a priority to the Baldwin County Commission and the coastal communities in the county; and
WHEREAS, the Baldwin County ICW Project is for the purchase of 45 acres of property on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, adjacent and east of the Foley Beach Express Bridge in Orange Beach, Alabama, and is designed to accommodate the construction of 14 boat launches, 8 fishing piers, 8 staging piers, 12 small picnic gazebos, wharf area, restroom facilities and parking for over 450 vehicles, with space available to accommodate additional amenities in potential future phases; and
WHEREAS, the proposed project will ensure protection of adjacent resources, give the region greater visibility and managed attention toward the importance of clean water issues, watershed stewardship and resiliency, provide for safe public boat launch and recovery, accommodate future growth, and provide public access to additional recreational activities at this facility as well as opportunities for local outdoors enthusiasts to create additional eco-tourism businesses, recreational charter and guide ...
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