Council approves award and local supplement to complete boat-landing improvements

Staff presented results of a competitive process for RFP 2026-11 (design-build services for multiple boat landings). A staff scoring panel recommended awarding the work to Nicks Construction (transcript: Nyx/Nicks) as the most responsive proposer with a bid amount cited in the meeting (approximately $1,038,304). The council discussed that the county has $750,000 in grant funding from the South Carolina Department of Parks and proposed moving $438,304 in previously budgeted Sergeant Jasper Park funds to make the full scope buildable this fiscal year.

"We have two options: limit scope to match the grant or supplement to do everything," staff said. Council members asked clarifying questions about which ramps would receive construction (Beexberry Landing, Turnbridge Ridge Landing and Nolles Island Pier were cited for construction; additional landings were listed for concept design). Staff recommended combining the grant and local accommodations-tax funds and moving the Sergeant Jasper pathways and bridge projects to FY2027. A motion to approve the award and authorize the budget adjustment carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: The county will use a mix of grant and local tourism-related taxes to repair and improve public boat ramps and piers that staff identified as priorities in the parks master plan, with immediate spending required to meet grant deadlines.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the contract and proceed with construction and design-phase work consistent with the approved scope and the supplemental budget allocation.