Local Conservation Group Seeks County Match for Pony Creek Lake Boat Ramp and ADA Dock

Jason Hoffman, who said he recently formed the Pony Creek Lake Conservation Association, pitched a plan to move a boat ramp onto county-owned land adjacent to a picnic shelter and add an ADA-compliant dock and walkway. "We can move it to the county area and expand," Hoffman said, describing the site as having good sight lines and minimal grading needs.

Hoffman told the board he has a state grant proposal that would cover 75% of the project's cost with a 25% county match. He estimated a dock with all components commonly costs about $7,000–$10,000 and said the grant deadline is the end of September. The association cannot submit the grant directly because it is a private nonprofit, so Hoffman asked the county to submit the application and requested the board consider providing the match if the bid estimates are acceptable.

Supervisors asked for a copy of the grant and ballpark cost estimates; Hoffman offered to gather contractor bids and said he could submit those to the county this week. The board did not vote on the request during the meeting but encouraged Hoffman to provide cost estimates and a draft of the grant for staff review before any county fiscal commitment.