Beach Commission Floats New Boat Ramp Proposal

The Middletown Beach Commission is floating a proposal that calls for a new municipal boat launch that would come at no cost to Middletown taxpayers.

The Beach Commission on Tuesday decided to add extra members to the group, pending approval from the Town Council early next month, and then form a special boat ramp replacement subcommittee to initiate and pursue the next steps for the project, which would closely involve the state Department of Environmental Management to conduct an engineering study and seek federal monies to completely fund the project.

"I think it would be a great thing for the town," said Tom Newman, an avid boater seeking appointment to the Beach Commission to help develop the project. He currently also sits on the town Zoning Board. He told the Beach Commission, "In the conversations I've had with DEM, they say the money is there to do the engineering study and project. For them to go ahead, we just need an official letter from the town requesting it."

A request for such a letter could come before the Town Council as early as the Oct. 5 meeting.

The ramp would be located at the town's Third Beach where the current boat ramp sits and about 30 boats are moored offshore each season. The Third Beach ramp is the only access point for boaters on the southeastern area of Aquidneck Island and is used frequently by boating enthusiasts and fishermen.

Rian Wilkinson, Beach Commission Chair, estimated that such a project could take about two years to complete, beginning with an official letter from the town to the DEM this fall requesting the project, followed by a DEM engineering study, design phase, project bids, and finally construction. The funds would be allocated through Rhode Island's DEM program but sourced from federal funds set aside for wildlife and recreational programs, he said.

Early conceptualization for the project as discussed among Beach Commissioners foresees a new ramp near the existing ramp, with pylons anchoring two parallel rows of simple floating docks on both sides of the new ramp, so that boaters could launch their boats and trailer their boats out regardless of tide.

Such a ramp would enable boaters to launch their vessels at low-tide and mid-tide, as well as high tide. Said Wilkinson, "The present boat ramp is so low and shallow that after mid-tide it's very difficult to launch (boats) and at low tide it's nearly impossible."

The existing ramp, estimated to be have been built 60 or more years ago, could remain in place next to the new ramp and serve as a handicapped access point to the beach and for kayakers to launch their vessels, commissioners said. Leaving it there would also eliminate the expensive cost to demolish and remove it, they noted.

Also Tuesday, the Beach Commission reviewed its end-of-summer business, including regular maintenance punch lists and wish lists for the beaches and for the Second Beach Campground.

A small group of seasonal campground residents also appeared before the Beach Commission to discuss several requests for campground improvements for the next 2011 season, including a coin-operated washer and dryer, wireless internet access, and extending the camping season through the end of September. No decision was made Tuesday on the requests and they are expected to be discussed further in coming months with final Town Council approvals.

Also Tuesday, the Beach Commission discussed other beach improvements and projects that are slated for the coming year.

Placed on the arriving off-season to-do list were the construction of a kayak rack for Third Beach, solar-powered lights at Third Beach, the continued fight to fight off invasive grasses at Second Beach, and dune conservation that's performed annually.

Additionally, a shower for Surfer's End on Second Beach was proposed and is expected to undergo further review in coming months.