Funding secured, bid awarded for Heagy-Burry Boat Ramp project

[Ocala / Marion County Visitors]

After 14 years of waiting, the Heagy-Burry Boat Ramp in Orange Lake is getting some much-needed improvements now that Marion County has secured funding and awarded a bid for the project to move forward.

The improvements for the park include building a boat ramp, floating dock system, restroom, parking lot, retaining wall, concrete driveway, stormwater infrastructure, sidewalks and landscaping, according to the Marion County Parks & Recreation Department.

The park, at 5040 NW 191st Place, offers amenities such as the boat ramps, fishing, monofilament collection, picnic tables and restrooms. The public-use ramp provides access to Orange Lake, a “resource-based recreation destination for hunting and fishing, generating an estimated $2 million in economic impact each year based on information provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” the department noted.

“The improvements made would increase boating access and accessibility to Orange Lake in Marion County, comply with current ADA standards and provide safe access to Orange Lake,’’ according to the county. “Additionally, an improved park and boat ramp in this part of Marion County will enhance the local community by providing a premier venue for outdoor recreation, sport fishing, and tournaments.”

The $2.23 million bid was awarded to BDI Marine Contractors LLC, which is based in Hobe Sound. Parks and Recreation Director Jim Couillard recommended the contractor be awarded the bid because it proposed the lowest cost for the project’s completion, was the most responsive and responsible bidder.

“The Heagy–Burry Boat Ramp project was initially started in October 2012. The main factors for the project delay are due to partner funding changes with Florida Fish and Wildlife (Conservation Commission), design updates, surveying and updating current project construction pricing,” according to the June 4 county commission agenda.

The project is finally getting the push it needs to move forward after leftover funds from the Rotary Sportsplex Sidewalk Improvements project were appropriated for use on the boat ramp project. The budget for the sidewalk project was $180,000, but only $164,140 was needed to complete it.

“In April 2023, the department completed the addition of multiple sidewalks and parking improvements at the Rotary Sportsplex Babe Ruth fields 1-3,” according to the county. “This project was completed under budget and the department (requested) to move the project savings to the Heagy–Burry Boat Ramp project.”

With the additional new funds, the project’s budget is now at $730,066. The project is also funded by a grant from the FWC, which was a reason for the project’s delay. The most recent delay happened in March 2023 when FWC offered an amendment to its agreement to the county to extend the completion of the project to December 2025.

“Due to an issue that occurred during the bidding process, the project was delayed and could not be completed within the time frame specified in the original Agreement,” according to the March 19 agenda. “This time extension has no impact on the project budget or funding from FWC.”

FWC is funding $969,264 for the boat ramp project, funds which are generated from the Sport Fish Restoration Program, a part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Funds generated from the Sport Fish Restoration Program create new boat ramps and support boating access improvement projects for marine areas and public marina sites. Currently, the funds are being used to maintain 244 boat ramps statewide. These projects improve boating access opportunities for Florida’s marine resource users,” according to FWC.

Including the Heagy–Burry Park Boat Ramp, there are seven improvement projects for marine areas in progress that FWC is funding across the state of Florida.