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Parks director seeks FWC boat‑ramp grants; county to inventory landings after repairs at Fanning Branch
Summary
Parks staff began repairs at Fanning Branch landing and flagged multiple county boat landings (Gap Lake, Hicks Lake, Fanning Branch) that need work; Parks plans to apply for a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation grant (FVIP) when the window opens Feb. 3–April 8.
Parks staff described recent work at Fanning Branch (also referred to as 2 Creek) and outlined a county plan to inventory and prioritize repairs to county boat launches and waterways.
Parks director said an aging small hexagonal shelter and walkway at Fanning Branch were removed because the structure posed a safety liability; crews stabilized the immediate area and removed unsafe timbers while awaiting engineering recommendations for reconstruction. The director said he has begun the site stabilization and will work with consultants to design a replacement ramp, walkway and dock that meet permitting standards.
The director told the board the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has a Boat Ramp Improvement Program (FVIP) with an application window opening Feb. 3 and closing April 8; award amounts range from about $50,000 to roughly $870,000 depending on scope. He asked county staff to inventory the county’s public landings (Gap Lake, Hicks Lake, Fanning Branch and others), create condition assessments and identify candidate projects for the FVIP application. Commissioners supported the plan and asked staff to pursue grants and return with a prioritized list.
The Parks director also noted ongoing Hurricane Michael/Sally FEMA documentation and timeline for park-related disaster projects; he asked for board direction when grant applications or matching funds are required.
