Ice Harbor Marina Proj. Boating Grant App
DUB~JE
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MEMORANDUM
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September 21 J 2005
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TO:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
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FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Grant Application for Ice Harbor Marina Project
Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens recommends City Council approval of an
application for Tier 1 of the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIGP) for the Ice
Harbor Marina Project at the Port of Dubuque.
The $600,000 Ice Harbor Marina Project will provide for the construction of 27 marina
slips for transient boats greater than 26 feet. The Tier 1 BIGP application is for the
maximum amount of $100,000. The grant will be matched with $500,000 of local funds.
Transient boat docks are required by the Vision Iowa Grant, and the City has until
May 31, 2007 to construct the boat docks.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
d).1J ~(JliL
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
DUB~E
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MEMORANDUM
September 21, 2005
FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager ~
TO:
SUBJECT: Grant Application for Ice Harbor Marina Project
INTRODUCTION
This memo transmits for City Council review and approval, the enclosed application for
Tier 1 of the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIGP) for the Ice Harbor Marina
Project at the Port of Dubuque. A resolution is enclosed as well.
The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program is a federal grant program administered by
the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for transient boat facilities for non-trailerable
boats greater than 26 feet in length. The program has two tiers.
The $600,000 Ice Harbor Marina Project will provide for the construction of 27 marina
slips for transient boats greater than 26 feet. The Tier 1 BIGP application for the Ice
Harbor Marina Project is for the maximum amount of $100,000. The grant will be
matched with $500,000 of local funds.
DISCUSSION
The City has a budget of $240,000 for transient boat docks at the Port of Dubuque as
part of the Vision Iowa grant for the America's River project. The funding is General
Obligation bond proceeds from the America's River Project. An additional $260,000 is
available from Conference Center savings in the General Fund from the America's River
Project.
Transient boat docks are required by the Vision Iowa grant. The Vision Iowa Board has
granted the City of Dubuque an extension for construction of the docks until May 31,
2007.
To satisfy the Vision Iowa grant, staff recommended a phased approach with
construction of transient boat docks at two locations in the Port of Dubuque: Phase 1 -
Ice Harbor and Phase 2 - Main Channel.
Grant Application for Ice Harbor Marina Project
Page 2
Construction of transient boat docks in the Ice Harbor will satisfy our Vision Iowa
requirement. The timeframe to construct boat docks on the main channel of the
Mississippi River would exceed the extension granted by the Vision Iowa Board.
The City has contracted with the Abonmarche Group to conduct a feasibility study for
transient boat slips at the Port of Dubuque, and to prepare Tier 1 and Tier 2 BIGP grant
applications. Tier 1 is for grants up to $100,000 and typically funds preliminary costs
associated with construction of boating infrastructure. The larger Tier 2 grants can be
used for the construction of slips and supporting facilities for transient boaters. Tier 2
grants do not have a dollar limit, and typically are used for the actual construction costs.
The Abonmarche Group has completed a Transient Boat Docks Feasibility Study that
included evaluation of existing site and conditions, conducting stakeholder interviews
and workshop, identifying market feasibility, and identifying operation and maintenance
feasibility for transient slips in Dubuque. This study concluded that there was a demand
for approximately 200 transient slips for the primary market area of Dubuque.
City staff is collecting letters of support from key stakeholders to submit with the Tier 1
BIGP grant application by the IDNR's September 30 deadline.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the enclosed application for Tier 1 of
the BIGP for the Ice Harbor Marina Project at the Port of Dubuque.
Since the grant application deadline is September 30, the application will be submitted
to the IDNR prior to the October 3,2005 City Council meeting. Any changes made by
the City Council will be provided to the IDOT after the October 3 meeting.
Enclosures
cc Dawn Lang, Budget Director
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
Bob Schiesl, Civil Engineer
BIG: Authorizing Resolution
You may reproduce on your own paper; text may not change.
Organization Name City of Dubuque, Iowa Resolution No.
Rm~tNwne(~ Tier I BIGP Grant Appl ication - Ice Harbor Marina Project
A resolution authorizing application( s) for funding assistance for a Boating Infraslruct\J"e Grant Progrcm (8IG) project to
the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (lAC).
WHEREAS, under !he provisions of BIG, federal funding assistance is requested to aid in financing the cost of facility
developmenl or information and education; and
WHEREAS, our organization considers it in the best pubUc interest to complete the development or information and
education project desaibed in the application;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that:
1. The Mayo r [MAYOR, DIRECTOR, PRESIDENT, ETC.) be authorized to make formal
application to lAC for funding assistance;
2. Any fund assistance received be used for implementation of the project referenced above;
3. Our organization hereby certifies that its share of project funding is committed and will be derived from
(SPONSOR MATCHING RESOURCES): City General Fund and America's River Project.
4. We acknowledge that we Br8 responsible for supporting air non-cash commitments to the sponsor share should
they not materialize; [If applicable] .
5. We acknowledge that any facBity developed with lAC financial aid must be placed in use as an outdoor recreation
facility and be retained in such use for a minimum of twenty years unless otherwise provided and ageed to by our
organization, the lAC, and ihe US Rsh & Wildlife Ser'Jice;
6. We have read both the federal guidelines and state policies for the BIG program and agree to abide by those
guidelines and policies; and
7. This resolution becomes part of a formal application to lAC; and
8. We are providing appropriate opportunity for public comment on this application.
This resolution was adapted by our organization during the meeting held:
Location
Dubuque, Iowa
Date 10/VOS
Date 10/03/05
Approved as to form
APPLlCATlON FOR TIER 1 OF BOATING INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT PROGRAM
Planning Services Department
City of Dubuque, Iowa
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa
PHONE: (563) 589-4210
FAX: (563) 589-4221
Email: Icarsten@cityofdubuque.org
PROJECT SUMMARY
This Tier 1 BIGP Grant funding request is for the implementation of portions of the ICE HARBOR
TRANSIENT MARINA PROJECT, located on the Mississippi River at Dubuque, Iowa.
Project Location Map
ICE HARBOR TRANSIENT MARINA PROJECT AT THE PORT OF DUBUQUE
- A SHOWCASE PROJECT ON THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER -
"OLD MISS," the "Father of Waters," stretches 2.470 miles from its source in Lake Itasca, Minnesota,
to the Gulf of Mexico, touching 10 states along its journey. Discovered in 1541 by Hernando
DeSota, Fr. Marquette and Louis Joliet were the first white men to traverse the river in 1673. The
French fur trade sprang up in the 18th century with outposts along the river's banks.
JULIEN DUBUQUE: A native of Canada, sturdy, dark-skinned and short, a man of culture and
charm, came to these shores at the age of 24. He soon earned the respect of the Sac and Fox
Indians at their village of 20 wickiups and a lodge on the south shore of the mouth of Catfish
Creek. He proceeded to clear the land in the valley for farming, built storage sheds, a horse mill,
a smelting furnace and a home on the north shore below the bluff. Old men and women mined
lead, the braves trapped furs, and twice annually Julien Dubuque took these goods to st. Louis,
returned with gifts for the Indians. '
Spain ruled the Mississippi Valley at this time. Dubuque requested a grant of land from the
Spanish Governor at New Orleans, and was rewarded with a 21-mile stretch along the river and
10 miles inland. Shrewdly, he dubbed this tract "The Mines of Spain", a sobriquet still in use.
Following the Louisiana Purchase, President Jefferson sent Lt. Zebulon Pike to explore the
Mississippi to its source. In doing so, he stopped and conferred with Dubuque in 1805. At the time
of his death in 1810, the Indians accorded Dubuque a chief's burial and built a crude stone and
wooden hut over his grave. In 1897 local citizens erected the present medieval tower in his
honor. When his bones were exhumed, alongside was a body thought to be that of Chief Peosta
who had asked to be buried with his friend. A few feet away, according to Indian custom was
the body of a woman, presumably, Potosa, daughter of Peosta and legendary wife of Julien
Dubuque. Today the Julien Dubuque Monument and the state-owned natural preserve known
as the Mines of Spain remain as lasting tributes to the founder of the community.
The 195 species of freshwater fishes in the main-stem of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers
represent almost one-third of the freshwater fish species in North America (Fremling et al. 1989).
An additional 46 or more marine fishes may occur as far upstream as St. Francisville, Louisiana,
during low-flow periods when saltwater intrudes into the river.
A unique opportunity exists with the Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project (IHTMP) in that it will be
constructed adjacent to the "America's River Project". The America's River Project is a
cooperative effort of the City of Dubuque, the Dubuque County Historical Society's Mississippi
River Museum, the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, Dubuque County and Platinum
Hospitality Group. This public - private partnership will create a national campus of educational,
environmental, recreational and historical activities that focuses on the Mississippi River. This
initial partnership has expanded to include federal, regional, state and local partners - both
public and private, from the tri-state area, from the five states that touch the Upper Mississippi
River and indeed from around the country.
The America's River Project includes many exciting amenities for recreational boaters to enjoy.
Some of which include: the National Mississippi River Discovery Center Museum and Aquarium,
the Diamond Jo Casino, Spirit of Dubuque riverboat excursions, Ice Harbor Park, Mississippi
Riverwalk Recreation Trail and River's Edge Plaza, Grand Harbor Resort and Indoor waterpark,
restaurants, bars and Star Brewery Amphitheater all resting at the intersection of Heritage Trail, a
40-mile hike and bike system that winds through the City of Dubuque and Dubuque County.
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LOCATION
Location is the greatest asset Dubuque has to offer with regard to the development of transient
marinas. Dubuque's location on the Upper Mississippi River provides transient boaters with
unique and significant opportunities otherwise lacking in the Upper Midwest. The City has open
river frontage accessible to the public by water or land and immediately adjacent to cultural,
commercial, historical and tourist amenities.
As stated previously, the City of Dubuque in partnership with both governmental and private
entities has completed extensive improvements to the Mississippi River frontage. This foresight in
city planning has positioned the City of Dubuque to reap the benefits of the transient marina
development. The transient marina developments will be a gateway to the America's River
Project as well as the downtown business/commercial districts of Dubuque via walking/biking
trails and vintage replica trolleys.
The America's River Project encompasses the Port of Dubuque, a 90 acre tract of the city's
riverfront that adjoins downtown Dubuque. In addition to the Mississippi River on the east, the
Port of Dubuque is bordered by Dove Harbor on the north and Ice Harbor on the south. Dove
Harbor is a working harbor, replete with barges, cranes and conveyors for loading and
unloading barges of grain. coal, fertilizer, salt and asphalt. The Ice Harbor is the focus of
recreation, education and terrestrial visitor access to the river.
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THE NEED
The City of Dubuque, Iowa has long been a focal point, on the Mississippi River, for tourism and a
destination recreational site. Dubuque is a major point of Mississippi River access for the visitor
markets of Chicago and Milwaukee. Already a popular tourist destination, Iowa's oldest
settlement serves over a million visitors annually.
Dubuque's location on the Mississippi River, and the America's River Project. are a tremendous
asset for providing recreational, scenic, cultural and historical experiences for transient boaters.
A large volume of pleasure craft plies the river channel just outside the gate of Dubuque's
historic Ice Harbor. Some of the current river traffic consists of local boaters and fishermen;
however, many boats are from throughout the region and as for away as the Twin Cities and the
Gulf Coast. These boaters have no options when seeking a dock site to access the Ice Harbor's
current attractions: the Diamond Jo Casino, Spirit of Dubuque paddlewheel excursions, F.W.
Woodward Riverboat Museum, the National Historic Landmark - Wm. M. Black Historic
steamboat, the Mississippi Riverwalk, the Mississippi River National Education and Conference
Center, the Mississippi Riverfront Hotel and Indoor Waterpark and the Mississippi River Discovery
Museum Center. The demand will only grow with completion of the America's River Project's
amenities and attractions. Included in the future will be a public transit system incorporating
vintage trolleys to provide access from the River to downtown attractions.
Total visitation for the America's River Project is expected to exceed an additional 500,000 visitors
annually. This is in addition to the annual one million tourists currently visiting Dubuque. Studies
and Economic Analysis regarding tourism in the area have been performed by prestigious
facilities such as, the Office of Thomas Martin, Cambridge, Massachusetts. CSL consultants from
Minneapolis, Minnesota and Patek Hospitality Consultants, Inc.
The City of Dubuque is facing a tourism explosion. With any explosion of this type there is an
associated increase in public facilities user demands and needs.
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The City of Dubuque has a vision to fully develop a transient marina that will become an
economic engine for the entire region. Currently, transient boaters have no opportunity in the
area to access the wide variety of experiences available along the Mississippi River. There are
no slips available to accommodate the demand for transient watercraft 26' and longer. The Ice
Harbor Transient Marina Project would allow Dubuque to remedy this deficiency and capture
previously lost economic benefits generated by serving boating visitors from several states. The
proposed marina will provide the opportunity for transient boaters who currently travel the Upper
Mississippi River to experience first-hand the natural beauty, historical sites and cultural amenities
of the Dubuque area.
At the present time there is no marina for transient boats over 26' in length within 1.5 miles of the
America's River Project. The Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project will allow transient boaters a
very convenient stopping off point to access the world-class facilities in the America's River
Project as well as downtown Dubuque, Iowa.
Infrastructure Needs '
The typical transient boater has unique needs, as opposed to the seasonal boater who lives in
the community and maintains a local slip. Transient boaters are tourists that are typically on the
river for several weekends during the boating year and enjoy stopping in various ports to see
and experience the communities along the Upper Mississippi River. Traveling on the Mississippi
River has tremendous appeal because of changing scenery, the unique River City heritage and
the many cultural amenities. Additionally, like most travelers, the per diem spending for a
transient boater tends to be higher than for a boater who is a local resident.
The proposed Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project hopes to offer transient boaters:
. Adequate mooring capacity
. Slips for boats larger than 26'
. Navigational aids limited specifically to direct entry to transient. non-trailerable tie-up
facilities
. Adequate areas for boaters with mechanical problems to receive service
. Deep water at a number of boat slips
The Iowa Welcome Center in Dubuque receives between 20 and 30 requests each month in the
summer for transient boat docks.
The Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project with first-class facilities will flourish and will be a showcase
project for the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program. The facilities will leverage the substantial
public infrastructure that currently exists on the riverfront and will help encourage the economic
and community development of the Dubuque region.
Financial Needs
The City of Dubuque has identified riverfront development as a priority; however, Dubuque is not
capturing retail sales and tax dollars. Dubuque County has had basically no growth in retail
sales in 24 years in constant dollars. Retail sales in 1980 were $991,000,000. Retail sales in 2004
were $993,000,000.
5
Clearly. Dubuque's shops. restaurants. hotels, etc. would benefit from more visitor expenditures.
Unlike other locations on the upper Mississippi (LaCrosse. Davenport. Prairie du Chien, etc.).
Dubuque must make improvements to cater to tourists/visitors that arrive via personal watercraft.
Transient dockage could provide the necessary boost.
Historical Perspective:
Planning for America's River began in the early 1990's with national scholars and designers.
Extensive long range planning and numerous feasibility studies all pointed to a grand vision. The
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. the Grand River Center, the Mississippi
Riverwalk and Amenities. and the Grand Harbor Resort and Indoor Waterpark are creating a
new national identity for Iowa.
The 90-acre campus will be the place for people across the country and around the globe to
learn about and experience the Mississippi River. This will be the only place on the entire 2.400-
mile stretch of the Mississippi River that captures the historical. environmental, educational and
recreational majesty of the Mississippi River. America's River is a national center with partnerships
and support from twelve federal agencies.
America's River creates over 1,000 new jobs that pay a living wage. It puts the State on the map
as an international destination by building on global treasure - the Mississippi River - and creates
a magnet for a young and diverse population. At its heart. the America's River Project is all
about Iowa and our traditional values of strong education and conservation or preeminent
natural resources.
Existing Conditions:
There are no existing facilities for transient boats over 26 ft. in length in the vicinity of America's
River Project. However. access to the many amenities of the America's River Project will be
adjacent to the proposed facility. including restaurants and hotel rooms.
The marina and all of the land-based improvements will meet ADA requirements.
Feasibility Study:
In 2005. the Abonmarche Group. a consulting firm specializing in marina development.
completed a market feasibility study for the Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project. The purpose of
the study was to:
. Determine if a market exists for improved marina facilities
. Validate local assumptions and determine if the expenditure of financial resources will
attract transient boaters.
This statistical study indicates a theoretical demand for 800 slips in the primary and secondary
Dubuque. Iowa market area. This coupled with the full occupancy and waiting list at some
marinas. leads to the conclusion regarding demand for approximately 200 transient slips for the
primary market area for Dubuque, Iowa. The feasibility study found sufficient market demand
and thus validates local expectations about the market for improved facilities. The following
table below shows that improved marina facilities should draw a significant number of transient
boaters from the surrounding Mississippi River States.
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Demand for a 1st Class Dubuque. IA Transient Marina
Per Capita Marina Capture Potential
County, State Population Registrations Total Boats Boats @ 5% Ratio Demand
Dubuque, IA 89,142 7.78% 6,935 347 100.00% 347
Grant. WI 49,59/ 11.00% 5,456 273 50.00% 136
Jackson, IA 20,296 7.78% 1.579 79 50.00% 39
Jo Daviess, IL 22,289 7.40% 1,649 82 50.00% 41
LaFayette, WI 16,13/ 11.00% 1,775 89 25.00% 22
Clayton, IA 18,678 7.78% 1,453 73 50.00% 36
Delaware, IA 18,404 7.78% 1,432 72 75.00% 54
Jones. IA 20,221 7.78% 1,573 79 25.00% 20
Clinton, IA 50,149 7.78% 3,902 195 50.00% 98
Carroll, IL 16,674 7.40% 1,234 62 25.00% 15
~tephenson. IL 48,979 7.40% 3,624 181 6.67% 12
Green, WI 33,647 11.00% 3,701 185 1.00% 2
Iowa, WI 22,780 11.00% 2,506 125 6.67% 8
Crawford. WI 17,243 11.00% 1,897 95 1.00% 1
Linn, IA 191,701 7.78% 14,914 746 1.00% 7
Buchanan, IA 21,093 7.78% 1,641 82 1.00% 1
TOTAL 657,031 55,272 2,764 840
The map below shows the primary and secondary market area for the Ice Harbor Transient
Marina Project:
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The market feasibility study reviewed other communities with marinas in the market area and
found that the transient boater population is currently being underserved in the market region.
The Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project (IHTMP) should not have a detrimental impact on those
facilities. In fact, the addition of the first-class facilities in Dubuque will provide an even greater
draw to transient boaters because of the added opportunities for recreational. cultural and
historical experiences.
Other facilities reviewed in the market area and results:
Marina Name Ch State # of SIiDS #>26' Occuoancv # of Transient Slios #>26'
ARROWHEAD MARINA Dubuque IA 120 4 75% varies 1
BELLEVUE COURTESY DOCK Bellevue IA - - - 2 1
BOA TELS HOUSEBOAT RENTALS McGregor IA 80 100% 0 -
CAMANCHE MARINA, INC. Clinton IA 80 68 80% 0 -
CASSVILLE COURTESY DOCKS Cassville WI - - - 5 0
CLINTON MARINA Clinton IA 100 85 93% 7 -
CR BOAT SA LES Dubuque IA - - - - -
DUBUQUE MARINA Dubuque IA 250 80 100% 4 -
DUBUQUE YACHT BASIN Dubuque IA 260 85 100% 20 20
FAIRPORT LANDING/CHART HOUSE
LOUNGE Muscatine IA 52 16 - 0 16
East
FRENTRESS LAKE MARINE CENTER Dubuque IL 310 100 98% 25 25
FULTON MUNICIPAL MARINA' Fulton IL 120 - <100%
GUTTENBERG COURTESY DOCKS Guttenberg IA - - - 4-5 0
HA WKEYE BOAT SALES Dubuque IA - - - - -
North
J.D.'s LANDING Buena Vistc IA 89 0 98% 2 0
JULIEN DUBUQUE YACHT CLUB Dubuque IA - - - - -
LA CROSSE MUNICIPAL BOAT HARBOR La Crosse WI 185 100% 0 -
LA CROSSE PETTIBONE BOAT CLUB La Crosse WI 250 200 95% 15 -
LANDING 615 Guttenberg IA 11 - 100% 5 -
LANSING MUNICIPAL HARBOR Lansing IA 131 - 100% 8-10 4-5
LA WRENCE LAKE MARINA Brownsville MN 40 - - 10 -
LAZY RIVER MARINA Savanna IL 48 48 100% 8 8
L1NDSA Y PARK YACHT CLUB' Davenport IA 125 - 100% 0 -
MARQUETTE MARINA Morquette IA 30 - 100% 0 -
MASSEY MARINA Dubuque IA 118 18 96% 3 0
McGREGOR MARINA McGregor IA 100 25 80% 20 0
East
MID-TOWN MARINA Dubuque IL 240 - 98% 10 -
MUSCATINE MUNICIPAL BOAT HARBOR Muscatine IA 107 18 100% 8 -
NEWT MARINE SERVICE Dubuque IA - - - - -
PRINCETON BEACH MARINA Princeton IA 18 18 95% 0 -
SAVANNA MARINA Savanna IL 80 80 98% 0 0
SPRUCE CREEK HARBOR & PARK MaqUOketa IA 91 91 100% 4 4
SUNSET MARINA Rock Island IL 471 - 85% 0 -
WINEGAR WORKS MARINA Guttenberg IA 230 70 100% 5 5
Prairie Du
WINNISHIEK MARINA Chien WI 160 100 63% 50 50
WINONA YACHT CLUB Winona MN 107 - 100% 4 4
TOTAL
63
59
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An additional factor that is very significant is the high rental rates for slips in the Chicago/
Milwaukee area. Transient boating on Lake Michigan is cost-prohibitive for many people.
Comparable slip rates in the Chicago/Milwaukee area are 45 to 80 % higher than in the marinas
listed above. Transient slips in this area are almost non-existent due to the high cost of waterfront
property. Consequently, little choice is left for transient boaters in the tri-State area of Northeast
Iowa, Southwest Wisconsin and Northwest Illinois. The Upper Mississippi is the prime destination for
transient boaters.
In conducting the market analysis, Abonmarche Consultants was able to develop an idea of the
overall local opinion of the Ice Harbor Project. Through conversations with local marina
operators and boaters it was determined that a generally positive perception exists. Very little
opposition to the project was expressed. One comment was that a trolley system would be
needed if the City was to implement this project. The trolley system which will serve the Ice
Harbor Transient Marina Project will be completed before the Ice Harbor Project is completed.
Many locals see the proposed project as a benefit to the city's livelihood and feel the project is
necessary as a way to address the current lack of transient facilities. One marina operator
suggested that many of his/her customers have expressed a desire to boat to Dubuque and a
willingness to pay for transient facilities.
Clearly there is a need for additional transient boat space in the Upper Mississippi River region.
The need can be met with improved facilities via the IHTMP.
BOATING MARKET ANALYSIS
A. General Market Conditions
Table 2 shows information on the existing and proposed marinas on pool 12 of the Mississippi
River in Dubuque, Iowa.
filM" 2 - 1'00112 lit Iii" I/i\\i"illf1i Nit.('/' I/llrillt/\
~,. '. '.1
Seasonal "T..ansieltt.,
, ,.~(Existing) .
'<,\'--'..,/";,':':::,".';;'t,;."I>,-, ',.' ,
, ,S~~l (Propo$ed) ,', ,
. TOtal Possible "
SIbIl.
" 2S(}
24(}
: Slips >26'
4'
20
location
Dubuque'
Dubuqu~ Marrna
Dubuque YachtBasinC
Julien Dubuque Yacht Club
Massey Marina
East Dubuque Frentress Lake Marine,Center
,..'^
Mid-Town Marina'
Spruce Creek,~~~Park..
Ice Hilrb()t]'ransient,
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Discussions with marina operators indicate that the main boating season on the Mississippi River is
short - typically starting in June and dropping dramatically after the third week in August. All
seasonal slips in Pool 12 of the Mississippi River are typically rented by July 1. Dubuque area
marina operators also indicated that there is tremendous pent up demand for several hundred
additional seasonal slips, of all sizes. Several recently constructed waterfront developments in
the Dubuque area have created significant demand for transient boating facilities.
All surveyed marina operators indicated that the 49 slips reserved for transient boats in Pool 12 of
the Mississippi River are woefully inadequate to serve peak demand. Many boaters would like to
cruise the quieter, warm waters of the Mississippi River and explore riverside communities, but are
reluctant to do so knowing transient mooring is not available.
Private marina operators will only accommodate transient boats when their seasonal slips are
temporarily vacated. With the short boating season in Pool 12 of the Mississippi River, economics
dictate that private marinas will not provide strictly transient slips.
Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIGP) Projects exclusively involve additional transient slios
over 26 feet in length for new marina and marina expansions at municipal marinas.
Municipalities that operate public marinas can provide seasonal slips if they fund the entire
project. Therefore, any expansion or new construction should be dedicated to the transient slip
market.
Recreational Use
The market for transient slips is difficult to accurately determine in the Dubuque area because of
the lack of specific data on travel to and transient slip demand in Dubuque.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)performed a study entitled, "Economic Impacts of
Recreation on the Upper Mississippi River System", to learn more about the value of recreational
uses of the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS). The 1994 study found that an estimated 12
million daily visits by recreationalists took place during a single year in the area studied. The area
studied includes 76 counties along the commercially navigable portions of five rivers: the
Mississippi River (north of Cairo, Illinois), Illinois, St. Croix, Minnesota and Kaskaskia. Of the 12
million daily visits during the study year, half of all visitors boated:
another study conducted in 1996 by the U.S.A.C.E estimated that there were over 5.2 million
daily visits annually to the Mississippi River Pools 11-22. Of the 5.2 Million visitors 13% were boaters.
This indicates approximately 676,000 boaters annually visit on Pools 11-22 of the Mississippi.
Dubuque (Pools 11 & 12) is on the southern end of the first study (1994) and on the north end of
the second (1996). Although the study did not breakdown the statistics to the county level we
can estimate the number of boating visitors, conservatively, to be 24,000 - 30,000 annually in the
Dubuque area. It is estimated (based on a 2002 study performed by Michigan State University)
that 30% of the boaters will be overnighters (transient). This would indicate that there is the
potential for 7200 - 10,000 transient boaters visiting Dubuque annually. Considering that the
recreational boating season is relatively short, (typically starting in June and dropping
dramatically after the third week in August), this would indicate a need of approximately 210
transient slips on an average weekend.
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Recreational Spending
The USACE study indicated, that spending per boating visitor per day for day trips is $25.40 (70%
of boaters). Spending per boating visitor (transient) per day for overnight trips is $66.20 (30% of
boaters). This equates to an estimated spending for boating visitors (transient) to the Dubuque
area to be at least $900,000 - $1,130,000 annually.
Economic Impacts
Based on the 1994 Study of the Upper Mississippi River System, during the study year, recreational
activity resulting in direct and secondary expenditures of $1 .2 Billion that helped maintain 18,500
jobs.
Recreational activities in the counties bordering the study area resulted in secondary
expenditures of $400 million that helped maintain an additional 7,200 jobs.
Service industries, retailers, manufacturers and finance and insurance providers were most
affected. One third of all spending was made by non-reside~ts.
Additional Market Analysis information:
In conjunction with the Dubuque Market Analysis performed by the Abonmarche Group,
individual interviews were conducted with each marina owner/operator in pool 12. In addition,
marinas both upriver to Winona, MN and downriver to Muscatine, IA were surveyed.
While the majority of the interviews where conducted by phone, three marina professionals in
pool 12 were personally interviewed regarding the need for additional transient marina slips in
the Dubuque area. While anecdotal, those responses provide unique insight into the boating
culture on the Mississippi in the vicinity of the American Rivers Project.
Each summer weekend, from La Crosse to Rock Island, boaters gather by flotilla for events.
Popular events include fishing tournaments, poker runs, landward community events such as
America's River Festival, live entertainment and the annual Riverfest, Dubuque's "Last bash
before the snow flies." These events are held in Dubuque as well as other communities up and
down river. The flotillas that travel to these events will number up to 60 boats each, with many
weekends noting the presence of several flotillas from different communities on the river.
The largest impediment to these boating recreationalists is the lack of transient mooring facilities
on the River. Having noted its anecdotal nature, the respondents estimated that a 27 slip
transient marina in Dubuque would be filled 10 - 12 weekends per summer by just these
activities. While this Market Analysis cannot quantify or demonstrate the veracity of these
remarks, it certainly adds to the conservatism of these projections.
As other transient boat slips become available along the Mississippi River (such as the Clinton,
Iowa and Fulton, Illinois transient boat slips which are currently under contract), the demand for
transient slips will grow. Eventually, an entire network of transient boat slips will be available up
and down the Mississippi River. Thus, drawing ever larger numbers of recreational boaters from
an ever increasing population base as the ability to travel up and down the river with the
assurance that first class transient boat slips become available at reasonable distances along
the Mississippi River.
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OBJ ECTIVES
To obtain and use Tier 1 funding for construction of 27 transient slips, consulting services to
determine environmental and cultural impacts; to obtain state and federal permits and
complete engineering plans and specifications for transient boating facilities at the proposed
Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project.
Specifically, Tier 1 funding will be used for transient boat facilities at the proposed Ice Harbor
Transient Marina Project for the following purposes:
. For consulting services to determine environmental, archeological, historical and cultural
impacts.
. To obtain state and federal permits
. To obtain engineering plans and specifications and bid contract documents.
. For the new construction of slips for transient and non-trailerable boats exceeding 26' in
length.
. To match other funding that is available locally for the construction of transient slips.
. For navigational aids and signs that will direct entry to transient tie up facilities
. For technical planning and studies needed before construction can occur such as
floodplains, wetlands, threatened and endangered species.
. Grant administration expenses.
. Access walkways
. Handicap accessible facilities
. Environmental Assessment Preparation
BENEFITS
The Upper Mississippi River is this area's untapped natural economic engine. Upon completion
of the Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project, transient boaters, for the first time, will be able to stop
and access the cultural and historical attractions available in the America's River Project as well
as the entire Dubuque, Iowa region. In addition, the completion of the Ice harbor transient
Marina Project will capture the economic benefit of the growing transient boating industry,
increase the attractiveness of additional commercial/retail investments and help reverse the
demographic trends of this area's declining and aging population.
The Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project will also be a project of national significance. This
project will show what is possible when people and agencies work cooperatively beyond
traditional boundary lines.
Economic:
A new marina is a part of a larger plan to make the waterfront, a natural asset of the
community, more attractive. An attractive waterfront encourages pride, additional investment
and greater economic activity in the Central Business District of the city. This will then help to
reverse demographic trends such as a declining and aging population. It will help offset lost
Machinery and Equipment Tax revenue by the City of Dubuque. In addition, it increases the
ability of the Dubuque area to become a destination point for tourists.
Significant community and economic developments will occur for the region because of the Ice
Harbor Transient Marina Project. These benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
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. Over a quarter of a million dollars annually, of direct and indirect economic activity will
be injected into the local economy on an annual basis. (Source: Abonmarche Group of
Benton Harbor, Michigan). This spending would be attributed to:
o Tourism needs Fishing Boating needs
o Restaurants Boat Sales Fuel sales
o Insurance Retail shops
. Increased use of other recreational venues in Dubuque such as museums, parks,
theaters, etc.
. Direct and indirect jobs related to the service industries to support boating and marina
development would be created.
. The Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project will contribute socially to the overall quality of life
in the communities, and will also provide access for scenic enjoyment of the River.
. Properly managed marinas (per the feasibility study) can also provide potential excess
cash flow upon the project's maturity (after 10-20 years) with potential excess annual
revenues of up to $27,000 for these 27 slips. These exc~ss funds could be utilized for:
o Further improvements at the marina to add value for the boater
o Creation of additional public access sites or fishing piers
o Funding for other community historical and cultural activities
o Funding for other community recreational projects
o Funding for City General Fund.
Historical/Cultural & Recreational:
The Mississippi River is designated as an "American Heritage River" and is a landmark waterway
for Americans. On the Mississippi. Americans enjoy boating for fishing (12 million boats
nationwide are used recreationally for this purpose) and cruising. The 6-mile Dubuque, Iowa
riverfront is one of the longest public riverfronts on the entire reach of the river. The Heritage Trail
Riverfront System provides 10 miles of on and off-road routes through Dubuque.
There are insufficient tie-up facilities in the Upper Mississippi River corridor for transient boats.
Citizens and boaters are unable to enjoy many recreational. cultural, historic, scenic and natural
resources of the river. Basic amenities such as tie-ups, laundry facilities, fuel, utilities and
restrooms are limited and or nonexistent, creating a disincentive for transient boaters to choose
the Mississippi for their boating experience. The Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project will help
assure that transient boating on the Mississippi River flourishes.
The City of Dubuque's beautiful waterfront and the America's River Project will become
magnets to transient boaters and will increase the ability of the region to be a point of
destination for tourists. In addition, the marinas will leverage other significant community
resources that have already been invested. Many of these are of local and regional
significance and will have tremendous appeal to transient boaters:
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Historical & Cultural Resources List:
Port of Dubuaue
. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
o William Woodward Discovery Center
o National Rivers Hall of Fame
o Fred W. Woodward Riverboat Museum
o The Pfohl Boatyard
o Woodward Wetlands
o Refurbished 1891 Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Train Depot
o Steamboat William M. Black, a National Historic Landmark
. The 200-room Grand Harbor Resort and Indoor Water Park
. The Grand River Center, an educational, conference and exhibit center
. The Alliant Energy Amphitheater at the historic Star Brewery
. The Diamond Jo Casino
. The Spirit of Dubuque riverboat cruises
. The Mississippi Riverwalk Recreational Trail
. The historic Shot Tower
. Tours via historic replica trolleys and horse-drawn carriages
Downtown Dubuaue
. Four National Register Historic Preservation Districts
o Old Main
o Jackson Park
o Cathedral
o West 11 th Street
. Numerous Local Historic Landmarks, including:
o City Hall
o County Courthouse
o Old County Jail
o Town Clock
o Cable Car Square
o Grand Opera House
o Orpheum Theater
. Other Cultural Attractions & Recreational Venues
o Dubuque Museum of Art
o Five Flags Civic Center
o Iowa Welcome Center
o Heritage Trail Riverfront System
o Washington Park
o Flat Iron Park
o Jackson Park
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APPROACH
The City of Dubuque is requesting Tier 1 BIGP Grant funds from the State of Iowa to complete
State and Federal permitting processes, all required regulatory studies (floodplain, wetlands,
threatened & endangered species, etc.), engineering, legal requirements and administrative
needs.
The Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project will use Tier 1 BIGP Grant funds for implementation for this
important and unique marina project.
The total marina development project cost is $ 600,000. This facility will be completely
dedicated to transient vessels, therefore, 100% of the funding will be eligible. A summary of
expenses and funds requested is located below.
Costs:
The table below reflects the total cost for the Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project. All of the slips
in this facility will be for transient boaters with slip lengths over 26 feet. Therefore, all costs will not
be pro-rated, as all costs are eligible for BIGP Grant funding.
Table
Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project Cost Estimate
Item # Description
A. Docks
1 Finger Piers, 30'
2 Main Piers
3 ADA Gangway & Landing Area
B. Contingency
4 Contingency (10%)
Quantity Unit Unit Price Total
9 EA $3,600 $32,400
8,200 SFT $40 $328,000
1 LS $100,000 $100,000
Project Subtotal: $460,400
LS $46,040 $46,040
Project Total: $506,440
24 EA $2,750 $66,000
1 LSUM $27,560 $27,560
Project wi Option Total: $600,000
TIER 1 BIGP Support Requested $100,000
*Local Match Provided: $500,000
C. Option to Include:
5 Spring Piles with Caps (including 10% contingency)
6 Marina Lighting
* Local Match does not include any other State or Federal funds.
15
Process:
Implementation of the marina project will involve several steps as follows:
1) Market Feasibilitv Study: The study quantifies and validates the demand that exists for
transient facilities. It assures that eventual construction will match projected demand for the
facilities and the BIGP funds will create the benefit and outcomes that reflect congressional
intent.
2) Permits: The City will secure required local, state and federal approval needed to develop
the Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project. This includes working with the state and federal
government to communicate with public interest groups, governmental agencies such as
the U.S. EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, local and state biology and fishery experts, and
private special interest groups including preparation of environmental assessment. possible
environmental impact statements and mitigation plans for threatened and endangered
species, including:
a) Detailed HYdrograohic & Tooograohic survey
b) Cultural. Historical and Archeoloaical Imoacts
c) Permit Aoolication Submittal
d) Permit Processing Efforts
e) Local AgencY Aooroval
f) Environmental Assessment oreoaration
3) Preliminary enaineerina, to establish the scope of the project.
4) Cost Estimates: Preliminary cost estimates will be further defined and detailed.
5) The Final Desian Process: This includes receiving competitive bids for the project and
supervision of the construction contracts through to completion.
6) Funding Assistance: Various sources of private and public funds will be secured to provide
financial support and to leverage the BIGP support. A partnership involving three or more
partners is planned. with additional financial support coming from private foundations.
7) Construction of Transient Facilities: All facilities will be:
a) Designed to accommodate boats 26' in length or greater
b) Used by transient boaters
c) Open to the public
d) Designed and built to last at least 20 years
e) Used for the intended purpose
f) Maintained throughout their useful life
g) Located on navigable water
h) Built in compliance with ADA regulations
8) Marketing & Awareness of Imoroved Facilities for Transient Boaters. The community will begin
to increase awareness of the improved facilities in a variety of means:
a) Articles and advertisements in major regional newspapers in the Chicago,
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Milwaukee. St. Louis markets
b) Editorial and paid placements in trade publications
c) Using the printed and electronic informational resources of the local and regional
Convention & Visitors Bureau
d) An Internet web site to attract boaters
e) Exhibition at regional boat shows
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Attachment 4 is the project schedule from planning to construction.
The City of Dubuque and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will enter into an
agreement stating that funds obtained under the program will be spent for intended purposes.
CONCLUSION
The Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project will be a "showcase project" used to show the nation the
value of the BIGP initiative. The resources of government, paired with private and local
investment, will produce significant enhancements to the entire region - and lead to increased
transient boating.
The riverfront in Dubuque, Iowa can become a destination for transient boaters. In addition, it
can be a way to encourage local residents to enter into boating. The riverfronts in our
communities can once again become economic engines, leading to the creation of many
direct and indirect jobs. This proposal can leverage state, federal and local financial support
and implementation.
The requested BIGP Tier 1 support will be a significant catalyst in the development of a showcase
project on the Mississippi River. The BIGP support requested will represent 20% of total transient
marina development expenses in Dubuque Iowa. The BIGP will be well leveraged 5 to 1 and will
lead to a better use of limited local resources.
17
The Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project Vision
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ATTACHMENTS
1. Certification Statement
2. Map of Site
3. Project Schedule
4. Support Letters
a. City of Dubuque
b. Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
c. Dubuque Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
5. Supporting Documents
a. Market Feasibility Study
b. America's River Project Master Plan
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Tasks
Preliminary Design
Com leted
TIER 1 BIGP Grant
Application Submitted
Final Design Completed
Application for necessary
Permits
Permits granted
Bids obtained
Bids awarded
Construction Be ins
Construction Finished
Attachment No.4
Project Schedule
2005/2006
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