Jackson County approves 25-year maintenance, security pact with Alabama conservation agency for boat ramps

Jackson County commissioners voted May 12 to approve a maintenance and security agreement with the State of Alabama acting through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to govern improvements, upkeep and security at several public boat ramps, including a new Mud Creek North Public Boat Ramp.

The agreement calls for the conservation department to construct the Mud Creek North facility and for Jackson County to assume ongoing routine maintenance beginning on a date to be established after construction. The county will cover monthly electrical service for the ramp and other routine maintenance, while the conservation department may contract, with county permission, for nonroutine repairs and maintenance it approves in advance. The state will reimburse the county each subsequent year for each ramp an amount not to exceed $75,000 per fiscal year per access area, the commission was told.

The commission’s motion to authorize the chairman to sign the maintenance and security agreement carried by voice vote after a short presentation thanking Keith Henderson for his work on the project. Commissioners were told the agreement’s initial term will run 25 years commencing in March 2025, and that the conservation department has the option to request review for an additional 25-year renewal; annual nonroutine funding limits would be adjusted by mutual agreement to reflect cost increases.

Commissioners described the project as an investment in public access and duck-hunting ramp improvements across Jackson County, and noted the ramps will serve multiple vessel types and recreational uses. No members registered public opposition during the meeting. The commission’s action was limited to approving the county’s part of the intergovernmental agreement; construction timing and final facility activation dates will be set by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as the work proceeds.

The commission minutes record the motion, a second and a unanimous vote in favor. The agreement text included specific lists of access areas the county will assume responsibility for and referenced annual reimbursement caps for each access area.