Marina slip rates decided
Marina slip rates decided
Fees scrutinized, adjusted
By STU MERRY
Boat owners who want to rent a slip at either marina at Fort Stevenson State Park, or Lewis and Clark State Park near Williston, can breathe a sigh of relief. A new rate structure has been established for slip rentals. What’s even nicer is that the new rates will be good for the next three years.
Some boat owners had sticker shock earlier this year when they opened their slip rental rate chart and contract for the 2012 season. Rates set by the State Parks and Recreation Department were up substantially.
State Parks and Rec. Director Mark Zimmerman said some who received rate listings for this year were questioning why they were so high. He said the intent was to standardize slip rentals at the three state-operated marinas.
The cost of operating marinas was compiled, and it was felt the $75 fee was needed to offset the cost of operation, state park officials added.
Hearing concerns from local boat owners, Garrison Area Improvement Association officials met with Zimmerman and his staff on two occasions regarding slip prices. The two sides agreed to a compromise.
In previous years, rates were based on the size of the boat. At Fort Stevenson, slip size ranges from 26 feet to 56 feet. In 2011, the rate was $50 per boat foot. Example: The seasonal slip rate (without electricity) for a 30-foot boat was $1,500. In 2012, Parks and Rec. officials were proposing the rate increase to $75 per slip foot length. Example: A 30-foot slip (without electricity) would have been $2,250.
