Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Barge Canal Boat Ramp topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners discuss $20 million barge‑canal boat‑ramp plan, possible state appropriation and financing options
Summary
County staff told commissioners they are pursuing up to $20 million in funding to build a major boat ramp and waterfront facilities at the Cross Florida Barge Canal and have requested $10 million in state appropriations while considering bonding, grant matches and user fees for the balance.
Citrus County staff and commissioners discussed the status and financing of a proposed boat‑ramp and waterfront infrastructure project at the Cross Florida Barge Canal during the county’s capital‑projects update.
Management and project staff described a preferred full‑build concept price of $20 million and said the county had requested a $10 million state appropriation to cover about half the estimated cost. Staff explained the county planned to pursue multiple funding sources: state appropriations, RESTORE/Restore Act and other grant funds, local budgeted funds, potential bonding for remaining amounts, and private match if available.
“Last time this was discussed ... the board is seeking funding for the entire project, totaling $20,000,000,” Management Budget Director Aaron Doran told commissioners. He said the county’s legislative appropriations request to the Florida Legislature sought $10 million and that additional funding would need to come from a combination of county funds, Restore grants and financing. Doran presented a rough debt model of $20 million over 20 years with an annual debt service of about $1.5 million.
Commissioners asked how the unpaid balance might be financed if the state appropriation comes through for only part of the request. Commissioner Rebecca Bays and others discussed bonding against dedicated boat‑ramp or parking fees, noting the county shares launch fees with the state DEP under an existing lease. Staff estimated that, if relying solely on $10 launch fees split 50/50 with DEP, the ramp would need an impractically large number of launches (an estimated 92,000 per year) to cover annual debt service.
Commissioners discussed other potential partners and funding sources — including the U.S. Coast Guard (which is building a nearby cutter station), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) grant programs for ramps, BP‑related Gulf restoration funds and local bond capacity — and emphasized the importance of building regional support. Commissioner Jeff Kennard urged the board to package the project to secure federal and state funds and to invite partner counties to contribute to the request. Commissioner Diana Finnegan urged the board to move forward ceremonially with honoring veterans at the canal (a separate item) to build momentum.
Why it matters: The barge‑canal ramp is a multi‑million‑dollar infrastructure project that would expand public water access, parking and staging facilities and potentially increase regional tourism. Funding and financing choices determine timeline, scope and operating assumptions, and the debate showed commissioners weighing tradeoffs between seeking state appropriations, bonding locally, and leveraging grants.
What’s next: Staff will continue pursuing state appropriations and grant opportunities, refine financing options (including conversations about bonding, fee pledges and partnership contributions), and return with greater detail for a board decision.
