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County approves Duns Creek boat‑ramp design work, orders appraisal for Georgia’s Lake access
Summary
The Board approved design services for the Duns Creek Westside boat ramp and directed staff to seek an appraisal of the Georgia’s Lake boat‑ramp site after public safety and public‑access concerns from residents.
Putnam County commissioners on Sept. 9 approved paid design services for a proposed Duns Creek Westside boat ramp and voted to obtain a formal appraisal for a separate privately owned public access at Georgia’s Lake after residents and commissioners raised public‑safety and access concerns.
The board approved a contract and budget resolution for professional design and permitting services for the Duns Creek Westside Boat Ramp (agenda item R) with a design fee and budget allocation of $294,781. Commissioners debated project scale and funding sources before the vote, with staff and engineers warning construction costs could run into the low millions once permitting and bridge‑protection measures are included. The motion passed on a voice vote; the board directed staff to pursue grants and other funding sources and to return with cost and funding plans before construction.
Separately, nearby residents urged the board to preserve remaining public access at Georgia’s Lake, arguing a private sale of the ramp would lengthen emergency response times, reduce firefighting water access and diminish recreational access for low‑income residents. Commissioner Neubold moved and Commissioner Alexander seconded a motion to obtain an appraisal for the parcel the county is under lease on, described in the meeting as about 4.69 acres; the board voted to order the appraisal. The clerk recorded the motion as carrying with a 4–0 tally and one commissioner abstaining from the vote.
Speakers during public comment included James Cuneo and local residents who asked the county to prioritize permanent public access or an easement to the ramp. Commissioners discussed potential purchase and maintenance scenarios, including controlled access and hours of operation, and asked staff to return with appraisal results and recommendations for taking further action.
The board’s actions set the county to pursue design work for the Dunns Creek ramp while continuing to explore options — including potential purchase — to secure public access and emergency water supply at Georgia’s Lake.
