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Marina searches for new manager
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Posted on Mar 26 1999
Almost one year after the Outer Cove Marina was built, the Marine Revitalization Corp. is now looking for any agency that is interested to take over its operations.
Due to the decline in tourist arrivals, MRC could barely earn enough funds from the $4 passenger fee to repay the $4.3 million loan used in building the marina. The organization needs some $30,000 to $35,000 every month to meet its financial obligation.
If the Commonwealth Ports Authority is not interested, Anthony Pellegrino, president of MRC, said he will tap other government agencies and private organizations that can assume control of the marina.
In a letter sent to Carlos H. Salas, executive director of CPA, Pellegrino said MRC can assist the ports authority in managing the marina at cost. He said the takeover of the marina by CPA would give the ports authority additional revenue after it has paid the $4.3 million loan.
The establishment of the controversial marina was handled by MRC, a non-profit organization, amid criticisms from boat owners who refused to transfer their vessels from the present berthing area at Smiling Cove, claiming that it was just a money-making business venture.
Pellegrino, however, has maintained that MRC’s main concern was just to develop the area into one of the most beautiful marina in the Pacific, thus, its willingness to turn over its operation to any government agency interested to run it.
A number of boats are already using the marina which now has a convenience store, a gasoline station, picnic tables, a shower room and available running water to clean the boats.
Four years of the 15-year lease given to MRC by the Board of Public Lands was spent in processing of permits and building the marina. “Since it will be turned over to the government anyway, why not begin taking over now,” he said.
“We are not desperate to turn it over or look for somebody who is willing to assume the operations. If we don’t find anybody, then we will continue running it,” said Pellegrino.
