Special to the PRESS
The City of South Padre Island will celebrate the grand opening of the new Marisol (Laguna Madre) Boat Ramp on Tuesday, July 21, marking the completion of the island’s first public bay access project in more than 30 years.
The ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. at 1705 Laguna Blvd.
The new public boat ramp provides improved access to the Lower Laguna Madre for anglers, recreational boaters and visitors. Amenities include truck and trailer parking, a fish cleaning station, and an ADA-accessible loading and attendant dock adjacent to the ramp.
“This project represents a major investment in public access to one of our area’s greatest natural resources,” Shoreline Director Kristina Boburka said. “We’re grateful for the grant funding that made this possible, and we’re excited to provide residents and visitors with a modern, accessible boat ramp that will serve the community for years to come.”
The $3.2 million project was funded through a combination of federal, state and local dollars. More than $2.4 million came through the RESTORE Act’s Direct Component Program, administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, along with a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Boating Access Grant. The City of South Padre Island provided the remaining 25% of the project cost.
The city worked with LJA Engineering on the project’s design and permitting, while Bryant Industrial Services served as the construction contractor. Officials say the new facility will improve public access to the bay while supporting boating, fishing and outdoor recreation along the Texas coast.