FWC-This Is of the Umost Importance.....

[biggun]

Guys.. This Is of the most importants.

Anysome use the FWC boat ramp.. Please read this email from a friend..

It's fixing to be closed.. Call ur State Representatives.

The ramp is definitely scheduled to be closed. After speaking to a public official, lack of funding and landowner demands are forcing the closure. Apparently, the original agreement signed with the landowners mandated certain accommodations and improvements be made along with the facility being maintained to acceptable standards. No funding provisions were ever put in place to accomplish this. The facility was originally constructed with grant money obtained by John Breaux, but no monies to bring the facility up to the standards of the agreement with landowners was ever secured. In addition to the improvements needed to bring the facility into compliance, additional funds will be required to dredge and maintain access to the ramp. It was also mentioned the the Abbeville Harbor and Terminal District refused to assist with funding when they were asked. Estimates to bring the facility up to agreement specs are at $250,000 if I recall correctly from my conversation. This does not include dredging costs.

The ramp was out of site and out of mind and I suppose the landowners finally said enough and now it will be closed to the public, likely with permits being sold for private use. With proper planing and a little cooperation, I'm sure dredging could have been completed with the dredge that was operating north of the locks in FWB. I am told a dredge is currently operating in Rollover Bayou. Dredging of the slip would be a quick job for this dredge and periodic wheel washing with a tug or supply boat could keep the slip open. The right partnership between the Police Jury, the Harbor and Terminal folks, CCA, state government and the oilfield folks should be able to keep this ramp open. If you know of anyone interested in keeping the ramp open to the public, speak to them about it, maybe enough of us can get together and come up with ideas to keep the ramp open.

Please let me know your thoughts and if you think this is something worth pursuing?