Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="BrockW" data-source="post: 413625" data-attributes="member: 5910">Oh I think it would be far more than “equal” to keelboat, at least in terms of access. More so in the summer than spring fishing.  I absolutely agree that it would serve public benefit.  100% with you on that. But look at the pushback and criticism that a comparatively simple boat ramp expansion is getting from anglers who would actually benefit from it.So, part of my opinion is just based on the sentiment you see on this forum, but no doubt that similar fiscal rhetoric manifests itself in other areas of the public as well.  I share some of those concerns myself.I could be wrong, maybe Bismarck residents and decision makers will jump at the opportunity to drop 15-20 million, maybe more, on a public marina. Not to mention all of the maintenance and costs associated with it, including an unknown, but perhaps annual cost of significant dredging to make the marina accessible and useable? Certainly, that is possible.  But, I don’t think the city or county governments have the stomach to try and pay for that with the current conversations around spending.  Again, maybe I’m wrong.  So like I said, I think it’s likely this idea gets revisited (or basically forgotten) in 10ish years. Another thing to consider, since there is no existing infrastructure there, the permitting process would likely be difficult.  At least with keelboat, fox island, Kniefel, there is existing infrastructure.  Which makes permitting a heck of a lot easier.  Mandan had to pull some strings and jump through some hoops for the new Mandan ramp to make approval a reality.  Likely a very different conversation if they were shooting for an all out Marina.  I could see a multi year permitting process for that.  Again, maybe I’m wrong.Yes, they’re all expensive, but not apples to apples.  My understanding is that the hotel project, if approved or supported, was going to look for a private investor.  Not to say that they wouldn’t have had their handout looking for some type of public money too, investors are always wanting incentive to come build a project like that in some shape or form.  But my understanding was the bulk of that was going to be paid for by private funds. I mean, I would assume we would be talking 50 million, maybe more?  That’s just a wild guess.  But a boat load of money for a “boutique” (aka fancy) hotel.  I doubt Bismarck residents would’ve wanted to fork over money for that given other variables of much higher need throughout the rest of the city.  Needs that one could probably argue would drive much better resident satisfaction and economic value than a boutique hotel on the river.</blockquote>

Verification: What is the most common fish caught on this site?

Reply to thread

Recent Posts

Friends of NDA