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DLNR assures governor of fund-raising help
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Posted on Dec 17 1998
The Department of Lands and Natural Resources has assured Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio that it will help raise some $107,000 to be able to install the fenders which will protect the boats at the Outer Cover Marina.
DLNR Secretary Jack A. Tenorio met with the Governor yesterday where he informed him of the department’s efforts to assist the boat owners and National Park Service provide improvements to the newly-opened facility. He said a floating dock may also be established to ensure the safe unloading and loading of passengers.
The department head admitted that his office does not have any definite source of funds as he noted the cost-cutting measures which the office has implemented due to the planned budget reduction.
Recently, a compromise has been reached between boat owners and National Park Service in connection with the transfer of several commercial boats to the Outer Cove Marina which was built by the Marine Revitalization Corp (MRC).
NPS had earlier asked boat owners to vacate the area but under the agreement, it will allow to keep some vessels at the dock while improvements are being made at the new facility. MRC can no longer purchase the fenders because it is already short of funds.
Commercial boat owners have refused to leave the Smiling Cove area as they questioned the safety of the Outer Cove Marina. They also protested the departure fee which originally cost $2.50 per passenger. It was later on reduced to $1.10.
MRC has been asked by the Coastal Resources Management to submit a new coastal engineering report and a structural analysis of the dock and the fender system, the marina’s overall ability to withstand moderate to severe weather conditions.
A number of boat owners have transferred to the Outer Cove Marina after the compromise agreement was signed.
