Tired of waiting to launch a boat from a public boat ramp from South Padre Island?
Your wait and frustration could be coming to an end thanks to a new public boat ramp that has opened on the island.
“Do we need more boat ramps?” replied angler Jose Carpio of Brownsville when asked about it. “Yes, we do!”
He said he has been fishing for years here and finding a spot to launch a boat has always been an issue.
The new ramps is located on the south end of Laguna Boulevard and Palm Street, less than a stone’s throw from another public ramp sandwiched between Longboard and Lobo Del Mar restaurants.
South Padre Island now has three public boat ramps. The other two are on Palm and Polaris streets.
The town project, set to cost more than $3.2 million when it’s all set and done, is the result of a combination of a grant from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, other agencies and the township.
The 329×140-foot long ramp has 13 parking spots and two fish cleaning tables that are yet to be installed.
A grand opening of the ramp was held Tuesday June 21, but the project still waits to be completed.
Called the Marisol Boat Ramp, the final design calls for public restrooms that will be completed later, although the infrastructure is already there.
SPI Mayor Patrick McNulty said the ramp has been long overdue.
“It’s going to be a great project,” he said, “and the first new boat access in decades.”
A Myspi.org press release issued out Tuesday, June 14, announced the ramp grand opening ceremony.
“This is the first public bay access development constructed in 30 years. The Marisol (Laguna Madre) Boat Ramp will offer excellent amenities for both the community and visitors, featuring truck and trailer parking, a fish cleaning station, and an ADA-accessible loading and attendant dock right next to the ramp,” Kristina Boburka, the shoreline director said. “This initiative was made achievable through the valuable grant programs provided by the RESTORE Act, via the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Boating Access Grant. We are deeply appreciative of these opportunities as this new public boat ramp will significantly enhance boating access to the Lower Laguna Madre for visitors, community members, and residents.”
The total project cost of $3,223,061 was partially funded by grants of $2,408,415 from the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury)’s Direct Component program for land acquisition and construction, as well as the Texas Parks & Wildlife Boating Access Grant for engineering and permitting. The City of South Padre Island contributed the remaining 25% of the funding, or $69,163, the statement added.
Besides the other two public, town-owned facilities, there are other, privately-owned ramps.
The first one charges $25 per launch the other two are for private use only.
Another ramp is at Island Blanca Park run by Cameron County. The park charges an entry fee of $12 per day and $100 for an annual pass.
Other boat ramps are on Port Isabel, and each have different fees.
But while the new boat ramp is a welcome relief by anglers and boat owners, there is another issue they all said needs to be addressed island-wise — parking.
