State, Jackson County discuss new Mud Creek boat-ramp agreement, county maintenance role

Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries representatives outlined a draft agreement April 30 for a new boat ramp and other boating-access improvements in Jackson County and asked the Jackson County Commission to take the agreement up as new business for future approval.

The state will fund capital construction and regulatory permitting for a proposed new Mud Creek North ramp and other access-area improvements, while the county would have primary responsibility for routine maintenance at Mud Creek North, the existing Mud Creek facility and Langston Road, the agency said. The state representative said the new Mud Creek facility is estimated at about $2,000,000 and that the state can reimburse Jackson County up to $75,000 per ramp per year for nonroutine maintenance that the county agrees to perform and invoice under state procurement constraints.

The discussion matters because it pairs state capital investment with county operations. “We rely on cooperating partners whether cities, counties to help us maintain it for the mutual benefit of… the citizens of Jackson County and the state of Alabama,” said Keith Henderson, fisheries development coordinator for Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Henderson listed other county projects the agency is funding, including parking improvements at Crow Creek, a new pier at Raccoon Creek and upgrades to five waterfowl access areas used for hunting and nonmotorized boats.

Commissioners asked about the specific maintenance responsibilities and about lighting and restrooms. Henderson said Mud Creek (existing) is lit and that the state will install lights at Mud Creek North; other smaller access points likely are not lit. He said restrooms are not standard in the program but could be discussed as an added feature. The state representative said that, beyond routine maintenance, the $75,000 fund is intended for occasional nonroutine repairs when state procurement would otherwise slow response or when the county can perform work more cheaply and be reimbursed.

Chairman Nance and county staff asked about plans and maps; Henderson said finalized plans and the agreement were just completed and that he would email plans to county staff. Henderson described the agreement as consolidating several older arrangements into one document covering Mud Creek North, Mud Creek, Langston Road, Long Island, North Sautee and Raccoon Creek so responsibilities are clearer.

No vote took place. Commissioners agreed to place the draft agreement on a forthcoming meeting agenda for formal consideration and asked staff to circulate the plans before that meeting. Henderson said the project is in permitting and that construction is anticipated “anywhere from the end of this year to the beginning of next year,” pending permits.

Background: Henderson described the state’s recent funding increase for boating access programs and said the agency is using those funds to improve multiple sites in Jackson County. The state’s approach in the draft agreement is to provide capital and limited reimbursement while relying on local partners for routine upkeep.

Next steps: County staff will receive the final plans and the agreement will be added to new business at a future commission meeting for formal action.