Beaufort City Council discusses $2M boat ramp repair delays and temporary solution options

Beaufort City Council is grappling with the urgent need for repairs to a damaged boat ramp, which has been out of service for nearly a year. During the Capital Projects Quarterly Workshop on November 26, 2024, council members and public stakeholders expressed frustration over the lengthy timeline and high costs associated with the proposed $2 million project aimed at restoring the ramp.

Patrick Canning, a local resident, highlighted the pressing need for functionality, arguing that the council's plan to beautify and expand the site is unnecessary when immediate repairs could restore usability. He pointed out that the county has successfully completed similar projects at a fraction of the cost, suggesting that a simpler repair could be executed within a much shorter timeframe.

City officials acknowledged the concerns raised by Canning and others, noting that the current proposal includes extensive engineering and design work that could delay the ramp's reopening until 2027. They discussed the possibility of implementing a temporary solution to make the ramp usable in the interim, while still pursuing a long-term fix. The council is considering whether to engage the original engineering firm, O'Quinn, to explore options for a quick repair.

The discussion also touched on the financial implications of maintaining the ramp over the next two years, with estimates suggesting that a temporary fix could cost around $75,000. Council members expressed a willingness to invest in a short-term solution to alleviate the burden on local families who rely on the ramp for recreational activities.

As the council moves forward, they are tasked with balancing immediate community needs against the backdrop of a comprehensive long-term strategy. The next steps will involve further discussions with engineering teams and potential coordination with the county to manage overflow at other boat landings during the ramp's closure. The outcome of these deliberations will be crucial for residents eager to see the ramp restored to service.