HOW TO NAVIGATE THIS PROJECT WEBSITE
This project website is broken down into several tabs, as indicated above. Please make sure to read through "Imagine What Can Be" and "Project Update" to get a sense of what this project is about. You will also find available resources and downloads on this page. Complete the "Survey" by navigating through the survey tabs, starting on "Survey 1". Read how you can "Stay Connected" during the duration of the project. Check out what's happening next door by exploring "Discover Lightning Point". And lastly, be sure to check out "FAQs" for any questions related to this project.
LATEST UPDATES
There is a lot of important work going on behind the scenes for the City Docks Redevelopment Project! This work ensure our team produces the documentation needed to secure the next round of funding for Phase 2 Engineering and Design from the Alabama RESTORE Council. Additionally, there are other activities happening this winter and spring at City Docks. Check out the latest updates below!
The DRAFT City Docks Master Plan is now available for download and viewing.
Please scroll to the bottom of this page to "Available Presentations and Downloads" to locate the "City Docks Master Plan Final Digital (DRAFT).PDF" file.
PUBLIC SURVEY
The project team received great input from the public on our online survey. Full results from the survey can be found below (under "Available Presentations and Downloads"). Overall, the 500 people that responded would like the following top five features:
- Public restrooms
- Bait and tackle shop
- Improved boat ramp
- Picnic area
- Seafood market
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND FEASIBILITY STUDY
The Economic Analysis and Feasibility Study is now available for public review. The Economic Analysis and Feasibility Study informs the most appropriate site elements and activities that will generate revenue and economic impacts for the area. Key progress includes:
- In September 2020, baseline economic data was collected from state and federal agencies and published reports.
- In October 2020, the data was reviewed for capacity and trends in commercial and recreational sectors at the zip-code, county, and state levels.
- Sectors examined included:
- Commercial seafood
- Charter boat operations
- Private angling
- Ecotourism
- In November 2020, the baseline data was used to construct a decision support model.
- The model examines three (3) types of project feasibility over a 20-year horizon:
- Financial analysis (direct costs & returns from site operation)
- Economic activity analysis (revenue & expenditures vs. project costs)
- Economic impact (revenue & employment multiplier effects to the region)
- In December 2020, the economic model was refined to reflect an emerging subset of options for site design and operational structure.
- In January and February 2021, assumptions for site design and operation were further refined based on client input meetings.
- In March 2021, a semi-final draft of the economic report (with all the numbers and narratives) was completed.
- In May 2021, the Feasibility Study, Economic Analysis, and Master Plan Executive Summary was completed and made available to the public.
Please note, the City Docks Redevelopment Project Executive Summary is available below in "Available Presentations and Downloads".
MASTER PLAN
In April-June 2021, the findings of the economic report will be finalized and combined with other technical reports (engineering and design, marina demand, project survey) to produce a Master Plan with an executive summary of findings and recommendations, site layout options, and implementation recommendations.
BOAT RAMP
ADCNR Marine Resources (AMRD) has been working with vendors to get bids to enhance the current boat ramp at City Docks. The improvements will provide a safe and functional ramp while the City Docks Redevelopment Project design is completed. AMRD's intentions are to address the transition at the end of the concrete launch, replace the piers destroyed by Hurricane Sally and make repairs to the existing pier. This work should be completed this winter and ready for the summer 2021 season.
Grant funded by GOMESA
PAVILION, ACCESS PLATFORM, AND TRAIL
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) recently acquired a permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers to construct an ADA access and fishing platform located adjacent to the east jetty of the Lightning Point Restoration Project. In addition to the platform, TNC is also working with the contractor to construct a windstorm compliant pavilion on the bluff to provide an enjoyable venue for sightseeing across the Lightning Point restoration project.
Grant funded by Alabama Power, GOMESA, and NFWF GEBF
LIGHTNING POINT SHORELINE RESTORATION*
After suffering four major storms, the marsh and tidal creeks that were restored last year are still standing! Look for this spring for the marsh plants to flourish and the whole area to start getting greener. With the breakwaters providing great protection, lots of fish, shrimp, and crabs have started to move into the creeks and we hope this becomes a great fishing spot. This area is still recovering and will take a couple of years to fully establish. Please be gentle with the site and stay off the marshes and sandy areas. Help us keep it trash free and watch it grow!
*Pictures taken post Hurricane Sally
REPAIRS TO REVETMENT
This revetment faced an 8-foot storm surge during Hurricane Zeta and helped to protect this area from losing more land. Without this revetment we would have seen similar shoreline erosion to Hurricane Nate in 2017. However, it does require some repairs. We hope to get this done in the spring to ensure the site is safe and ready for the next Hurricane season.
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