The Government is seeking proposals to rehabilitate a concrete boat ramp out of Ferry Reach, near Stonecrusher Corner, Kindley Field Road, St David’s Island that has deteriorated from the elements.

According to a recently released request for proposal, the Ministry of Public Works was seeking “prospective proponents” interested in submitting proposals for the St George’s site.

Procurement documents said a contractor for the project would be required to clear the site of asphalt, concrete, rubble and other loose material and grade the site based on architectural drawings.

The submitting party would also have to construct a turnaround area along with the boat ramp itself — the lower portion of which would be below the surface of the waters of Ferry Reach.

A mandatory site visit will take place on Friday morning with the submission deadline set for 3pm on January 20.

Plans for the ramp were given approval by the Development Applications Board in 2019 and again last December after the original approval expired without work beginning.

Documents from the original 2019 application said: “The proposed boat ramp and vehicle access will be constructed along the existing unpaved gravel area.

“Evidence of water and weather erosion of the ramped area is prevalent leading from Kindley Field Road to the foreshore.

“This area has traditionally been used to raise and lower boats safely into and from the water.”

The document added that the ramps are particularly necessary in advance of hurricanes when large numbers of boats need to come out of the water.

A report prepared for the DAB recommended the plan’s approval, stating: “In this case, the proposal is essential to the enjoyment of the park in respect of serving boating activities and events. No features of special environmental value or scientific interest would be affected.

“The development would not be unduly visually prominent while the surrounding area would be enhanced by landscaping, and the National Parks Commission, as well as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (Marine and Terrestrial Conservation), have confirmed no objections.

“While natural materials would not be used, the proposal is for a utilitarian structure which necessarily requires the use of robust materials while the use of porous surfacing for the access is considered to be positive in respect of mitigating impacts from surface water runoff onto Kindley Field Road.”