Ice Harbor Marina Grant - slips
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MEMORANDUM
January 21, 2006
TO:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Revised Project Scope for Ice Harbor Marina Grant
\.,'
In October 2005 the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) awarded the City of
Dubuque a $100,000 Boating Infrastructure Grant 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 slips.
The City's original grant application included $500,000 of local funds from the America's
River project.
At a November 15, 2005 grant administration meeting, IDNR staff suggested that the
City consider a revised project scope limiting the project to the $100,000 grant. The
most straight-forward way to do this is to have the grant fund a small number of
transient slips, and have the City construct the remaining slips with local funds.
Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens recommends City Council approval to
revise the project scope for the Boating Infrastructure Grant for the Ice Harbor Marina
Project to provide for the construction of eight transient slips in the Ice Harbor. An
additional 19 docks will be constructed at local expense.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
(lit,) k'1 !JL
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
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MEMORANDUM
January 17, 2006
TO:
FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager~
SUBJECT: Revised Project Scope for Ice Harbor Marina Grant
Introduction
This memo transmits for City Council review and approval, a revised project scope for
the Boating Infrastructure Grant for the Ice Harbor Marina Project at the Port of
Dubuque.
In October, 2005, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) awarded the City
of Dubuque a $100,000 Boating Infrastructure Grant for the project.
Background
The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program is a federal program administered by the
IDNR for transient boat facilities for non-trailerable boats greater than 26 feet in length.
The $600,000 Ice Harbor Marina Project will provide for the construction of 27 slips.
The City's original grant application included $500,000 of local funds from the America's
River Project. The Vision Iowa Board has granted the City of Dubuque an extension for
construction of the transient boat docks in the Ice Harbor until May 31, 2007.
Discussion
At a November 15, 2005 grant administration meeting, IDNR staff suggested that the
City consider a revised project scope limiting the project to the $100,000 grant and the
minimum. The most straight-forward way to do this is to have the grant fund a smaller
number of transient slips, and have the City construct the remaining slips with local
funds.
Working with IDNR staff over the past two months, City staff has revised the project
scope so the grant will provide for the construction of 8 transient slips in the Ice Harbor.
Revised Project Scope for Ice Harbor Marina Grant
Page 2
The City would also construct an additional 19 docks at local expense, for a total of 27
slips as originally proposed. The project can be designed and bid as one project.
The City of Dubuque will need to commit $39,480 of local funds as match for the
$100,000 grant. By limiting the federal funds to a portion of the total project, the City will
have fewer docks that must comply with federal regulations for the 20-year grant
agreement that the grant funds require.
The grant program requires a 28E agreement with IDNR for administration of the funds.
This 28E agreement and the project scope must be approved by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, which funds the program. City staff must submit a revised project
scope for the grant to the IDNR by January 31, 2006 to stay on schedule with IDNR and
U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the revised project scope for the
Boating Infrastructure Grant for the Ice Harbor Marina Project.
Since the IDNR deadline is January 31, the revised project scope will be submitted to
the IDNR prior to the next City Council meeting. Any changes made by the City Council
will be provided to the IDNR after the meeting.
Enclosures
cc Dawn Lang, Budget Director
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Bob Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer
REVISED
APPLICATION 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 Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIGP) funding request is for the implementation
of portions of the ICE HARBOR TRANSIENT MARINA PROJECT, located on the Mississippi River at
Dubuque, Iowa. The grant will provide for the construction of 8 marina slips for transient boats
greater than 26 feet in the historic Ice Harbor at the Port of Dubuque. The City will construct an
additional 19 docks entirely at local expense.
The City of Dubuque has committed $39,480 of local funds for the requested $100,000 grant. The
market feasibility study conducted for the project indicates pent-up demand for slips for
transient boaters that cannot be met by the area's existing private marinas.
project Location Map
ICE HARBOR TRANSIENT MARINA PROJECT AT THE PORT OF DUBUQUE
,. A SHOWCASE PROJECT ON THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER -
INTRODUCTION
A unique opportunity exists with the Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project 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, the Dubuque
Area Chamber of Commerce, Dubuque County, the State of Iowa Vision Iowa Fund, and
Platinum Hospitality Group. This public - private partnership has created 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.
The Port of Dubuque includes: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Diamond Jo
Casino, Spirit of Dubuque riverboat excursions, Ice Harbor Park, Mississippi Riverwalk Recreation
Trail, American Trust River's Edge Plaza, Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark, and Alliant Energy
Amphitheater. In adjacent downtown Dubuque, restaurants, bars, theaters, hotels, and historic
districts are linked by a multi-modal transportation system for vehicles, trolleys, bicyclists, and
pedestrians,
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Port of Dubuque Aerial View
lOCATION
Dubuque is located on the Mississippi River in northeastern Iowa, adjacent to Illinois and
Wisconsin. This location makes Dubuque a major point of river access on the Upper Mississippi
River for the visitor markets of Chicago and Milwaukee. Location is the greatest asset Dubuque
has to offer with regard to the development of transient marinas. Dubuque's location 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
2
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, sait and asphalt. The Ice Harbor is the focus of
recreation, education and visitor access to the river.
American Trust River's Edge Plaza
Already a popular tourist destination, the $188 million America's River project at the Port of
Dubuque will enable the tri-state area to capitalize on the Mississippi River as a national tourist
attraction. The project has been the catalyst for a 50% increase in Dubuque's tourism in one year
. . . from 1 million visitors to 1.5 million annually.
Despite its location on the Mississippi River. the Dubuque area lacks facilities for visiting boaters.
The Iowa Welcome Center in Dubuque receives 20-30 requests monthly in the summer for
transient boat docks. This demand will only grow with the opening of the America's River project.
Currently, there are 3 marinas serving Dubuque; none are located at the Port of Dubuque. These
marinas fii! up quickly in the summertime. providing transient boat docks in the Ice Harbor will
meet the seasonal demand and provide boater access to the America's River attractions.
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Grand Harbor Resort and Mississippi Riverwalk Recreational Trail
THE NEED
The City of Dubuque, iowa has long been a focal point, on the Mississippi River. for tourism and
as a destination recreational site. Dubuque is a major point of Mississippi River access for the
visitor markets of Chicago and Miiwaukee. Already a popular tourist destination, Iowa's oldest
settlement serves over a miilion and a half 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, the
Mississippi Riverwalk Recreational Trail. the Grand River Center, the Grand Harbor Resort and
Waterpark, and the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. 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 consuitants 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.
4
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 appeai 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.
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.
5
Historical Perspective
Planning for America's River began in fhe early 1990's wifh nafional scholars and designers.
Exfensive long range planning and numerous feasibilify studies ali 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 ali
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 feet in length in the vicinity ot the
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 ali of the land-based improvements will meet ADA requirements.
Feasibility study
In 2005, the City of Dubuque retained 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.
The Market Feasibility Study quantifies and validates the demand that exists for transient facilities.
It assures that eventual construction wili match projected demand for the facilities and the BIGP
funds will create the benefit and outcomes that reflect congressional intent.
This statistical study indicates a theoretical demand for 800 slips in the Dubuque, Iowa secondary
market area. This demand, coupled with the fuli occupancy and waiting list at some marinas,
leads to the conclusion regarding demand for approximately 200 transient slips tor 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 table below shows
that improved marina facilities should draw a significant number of transient boaters trom the
surrounding Mississippi River States.
6
Per Capita Marina Capture Potential
County. state population Registrations Total Boats Boats @ 5% Ratio Demand
Dubuaue. IA 89.143 7.78% 6.935 347 100.00% 347
Grant, WI 49.597 11.00% 5.456 273 50.00% 136
ackson. IA 20.296 7.78% 1.579 79 50.00% 39
Jo Daviess, IL 22.289 7.40% 1.649 82 50.00% 41
LaFavette, WI 16.137 11.00% 1.775 89 25.00% 22
bavton, 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
lowa,WI 22.780 11.00% 2,506 125 6.67% 8
Crawtord. 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
Demand for a 1" Class Dubuaue. Iowa Transient Marina
The map below shows the primary market area in green and the secondary market area in
purple for the Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project:
7
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 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 are shown below:
Marina Name Cltv state # of SUns #> 26' Occunancv # of Transient SUns # >26'
ARROWHEAD MARINA Dubuaue IA 120 4 75% varies 1
BELLEVUE COURTESY DOCK Bellevue IA - - - 2 1
BOA TELS HOUSEBOAT RENTALS McGreaor 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 SALES Dubuaue IA - - - - -
DUBUQUE MARINA Dubuaue IA 250 80 100% 4 -
DU8UQUE YACHT BASIN Dubuaue 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 Guttenbera IA - - - 4-5 0
HAWKEYE BOAT SALES Dubuaue IA - - - - -
North
J.D.'s LANDING Buena Vista IA 89 0 98% 2 0
JULIEN DUBUQUE YACHT CLUB Dubuaue 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 Guttenbera IA 11 - 100% 5 -
LANSING MUNICIPAL HARBOR Lansino IA 131 - 100% 8-10 4-5
LAWRENCE LAKE MARINA Brownsville MN 40 - - 10 -
LAZY RIVER MARINA Savanna IL 48 48 100% 8 8
LINDSAY PARK YACHT CLUB' Davenoort IA 125 - 100% 0 -
MARQUETTE MARINA Marauette IA 30 - 100% 0 -
MASSEY MARINA Dubuque IA 118 lB 96% 3 0
McGREGOR MARINA McGreqor 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 Dubuaue IA - - - - -
PRINCETON BEACH MARINA Princeton IA 18 18 95% 0 -
SAVANNA MARINA Savanna IL 80 80 98% 0 0
SPRUCE CREEK HARBOR & PARK Maauoketa IA 91 91 100% 4 4
SUNSET MARINA Rock Island IL 471 - 85% 0 -
WINEGAR WORKS MARINA Guttenbera 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
8
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 tn-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 Manna Project will be completed before the Marina 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 Ice Harbor Transient Marina project.
BOATING MARKET ANALYSIS
General Market Conditions
The table below shows information on the existing and proposed marinas on pool 12 of the
Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa.
Location
Oubu'lue; Iowa
. East DubU'lue, Illinois
Benevue, Iowa
Dubuque, Iowa
9
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 slips
over 26 feet in lenath 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 boafed.
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.
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
10
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-residents.
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 quantity 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.
OBJECTIVES
To obtain and use Tier 1 funding for construction of 8 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.
11
Specifically, Tier 1 funding will be used for fransient boat facilities at the proposed Ice Harbor
Transient Marina Project for the following purposes:
. For consulting services to determine environmental. archeoiogical, 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
. 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:
. 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
12
. 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 excess 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 Resources
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 six-mile Dubuque 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 oft-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 facilifies, 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.
The Dubuque area is rich in historic, architectural, and archeological resources. Dubuque
County has 5 archeological districts, 4 historic districts, and 46 individual structures listed on the
National Register of Historic Places as well as 3 National Historic Landmarks. There are 615
structures in five locally designated historic districts in the city ot Dubuque: Cathedral. Jackson
Park, Langworthy, West ll'h Street and Old Main. These districts are also listed on the National
Register.
The Mines of Spain is a 1 ,387-acre recreation area located at the southeast end of Dubuque.
The State Park is a designated National Historic Landmark, a National Wildlife Federation Nature
Area, and a Watchable Wildlife Area. The Mines of Spain spans the 600-acre Catfish Creek
Preserve, an architectural and geological preserve.
The Port of Dubuque is located on the Great River Road a 3,000 mile network of federal. state
and county roads that parallel the Mississippi River on both sides from Canada to the Gulf of
Mexico.
Dubuque lies at the midpoint of the 267-mile long Upper Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Refuge.
13
List of Historical & cultural Resources
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 194-room Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark
. The Grand River Center. the area's premier 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 DubUQue
. Four National Register Historic Preservation Districts
o Old Main
o Jackson Park
o Cathedral
o West 11 th Street
. Numerous National. State and 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
Attached are three maps that show the historical. cultural and recreational attractions in the
Dubuque area. The first map shows points of interest in the Dubuque area. Map 2 shows
attractions. lodging, restaurants. and shopping in Downtown Dubuque. The third map shows
attractions at the Port of Dubuque.
14
APPROACH
The City of Dubuque is requesting Tier 1 BIGP Grant funds from the Stafe of Iowa to complete
State and Federal permitting processes, 011 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 for 8 transient slips to be built with the Tier 1 BIGP
Grant funds is $139.480. 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.
The City will construct an additional 19 slips for transient boaters in the Ice Harbor entirely at local
expense.
Costs
The table below reflects the total cost for 8 transient slips 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, costs will not be pro-rated, as 011 costs are eligible for BIGP Grant funding.
Ice Harbor Transient Marina Project Cost Estimate
Transient Docks
Dockage containing 8 transient slips,
navigational aids, signs, access walkways,
and ADA gangway landing area
Lump Sum
$126,800
Consulting Services
Consulting services for planning, design,
engineering plans and specifications,
environmental assessment, and state
and federal permits
Lump Sum
$ 12,680
Local Match Provided
$139.480
$100,000
$ 39.480
Project Total
Tier 1 BIGP Support Requested
. 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 ) 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 Hvdroaraohic & Toooaraohic survey
b) Cultural. Historical and Archeoloaicallmoacts
c) Permit Aoolication Submittal
d) Permit Processina Efforts
e) Local Aaencv Aooroval
f) Environmental Assessment oreoaration
2) Preliminarv enaineerinq, to establish the scope of the project.
3) Cost Estimates: Preliminary cost estimates will be further defined and detailed.
4) The Final Desian Process: This includes receiving competitive bids for the project and
supervision of the construction contracts through to completion.
5) Fundinq 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.
6) 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
7) Marketina & 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/SI. 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
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.
Below is the project schedule from planning to construction.
16
Tasks
Project Schedule 2005/2006
Preliminary Design
Com leted
TIER 1 BIGP Grant
A Iication Submitted
Final Desi n Com leted
Application for necessary
Permits
Permits ranted
Bids obtained
Bids awarded
Construction Be ins
Construction Finished
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 addifion, it
can be a way fo 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 suppart
and impiementation.
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 requesfed will represent 20% of total transient
marina development expenses in Dubuque: a half million dollars of local funds for the requested
$100,000 of granf funds. The BIGP will be well leveraged at 5 to 1 and will lead to a better use of
limited local resources.
The application reflects exceptional cost effectiveness in the use of grant funds; each slip
provided will cost approximately $12,500 of BIG dollars. The application reflects unusually strong
linkages to prominent regional and national resources. The application provides safe harbor for
transient vessels on the great Mississippi River, while at the same time providing access to rich
historic, cultural and recreational opportunities.
The requested grant dollars provide that last piece in the financial puzzle to bring this vision of
America's River to the transient boaters of Iowa and the upper Mississippi River Basin. The Ice
Harbor project will provide a critical link in the growing network of transient harbors. This will draw
ever-larger numbers of recreational boaters from ever-larger population bases as the ability to
travel the River with the assurance of safe harborage expands to meet the growing demand.
17
ATTACHMENTS
1. Plan View of the Port of Dubuque
2. Aerial Photograph showing project location in the Port of Dubuque
3. Aerial Photograph showing proposed layout for the project
4. Map of Port of Dubuque. Iowa
5. Map of Dubuque Area Points of Interest
6. Map of Downtown Dubuque Attractions. Lodging. Restaurants and Shopping
7. Map of Port of Dubuque Attractions
8. Letters of Support
18
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