Commission approves feasibility study for Fort Island Trail boat ramp expansion; vote 3–2 after debate over funding source

Citrus County commissioners on Oct. 7 approved a feasibility study and preliminary concept plans for expanding the Fort Island Trail Park boat ramps and trailer parking, authorizing staff to use up to $50,000 in impact-fee funding to complete the study.

Eric Head, Citrus County services director, told the board the Fort Island Trail facility is frequently beyond capacity on busy weekends and seasonal peaks; the study will evaluate capacity, permitting and concept designs for a full build-out and possible phased construction. Head said some grant options remain available, and that a successful design and permit package would be required before pursuing construction grants such as the Florida Boating Improvement Program (design/permitting) or the federal Sport Fish Restoration construction grant (which would likely require a NEPA review).

Commissioners debated funding source and timing. Commissioner Janet Barrick argued the county should use boat-launch fees collected from users (about $800,000 in the account, per discussion) rather than impact fees for the study and asked for more detailed annual-level cost and grant-match estimates before committing county funds. Head and other commissioners said impact-fee eligibility is appropriate for the study; county staff later confirmed the ordinance language limits the use of boat-launch fees for studies and that the Fort Island study therefore needed impact-fee funding.

Commissioner Diana Finnegan moved to approve using funds for the feasibility study and to include preliminary concept plans for a full build-out at Fort Island Trail Park — explicitly including expanded parking and additional boat ramps. Commissioner Jeff Kennard seconded. The motion passed 3–2.

Public commenters included representatives of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, which urged moving forward to address infrastructure that supports tourism and resident access; several residents urged prioritizing other sites such as the barge canal ramp. County staff and commissioners noted the project is time-sensitive if Crystal River closes a nearby ramp and a boat-ramp credit or capacity needs to be used in a limited window.

Votes at a glance - Motion to fund and pursue feasibility study and preliminary concept plans for Fort Island Trail Park (include expanded parking and additional boat ramps): mover — Commissioner Diana Finnegan; second — Commissioner Jeff Kennard; outcome — approved 3–2.

Why it matters: Fort Island Trail Park regularly reaches capacity during high-use periods; a feasibility study is required to identify permit requirements, potential built capacity and cost estimates so the county can pursue grants or phased construction.

What's next: Staff will commission the feasibility study using impact fees and return with concept plans, permitting requirements and cost estimates. If grants are pursued, further board approvals will be required.