Commission approves $10,000 conceptual design and grant application work for Indian Prairie boat ramp

Glades County commissioners approved spending $10,000 for a conceptual design to support a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) boat-ramp grant application for the Indian Prairie Canal boat ramp.

County staff said the existing ramp is in poor repair, with lane drops and trailer damage reported. The conceptual design — not a full engineering plan — would show a double boat ramp and expanded parking so the county can provide a detailed cost breakdown and a stronger grant application. Staff said conceptual-design costs may be used as part of the county’s grant match and that permitting and engineering work would follow if the grant is awarded.

A local resident, Billy Lockett of Buckhead Ridge, spoke in support of the project and urged the county to phase the work so the application is not rejected for being too large; he also urged quick interim maintenance, such as adding shell rock, to reduce current safety and trailer-damage risks.

Commissioner Patterson moved to approve $10,000 for conceptual design and to include a budget amendment for that amount; Commissioner Barnes seconded. The motion passed on roll call, 4-0. Commissioners discussed coordination with FWC and possible Tourism Development Council (TDC) funding for certain infrastructure components but were advised conceptual design costs likely are not allowable under current TDC guidelines.