Brian Burket, Parks Department, discussed emails from Mr. Retterbush regarding the St. Johns Marina Ramp, in which Mr. Retterbush had raised concerns about safety and the possibility of extending the ramp. Mr. Burket informed the Commission that the St. Johns Marina Ramp is on the Southbank and was built in 1965 as a 42-foot ramp. He stated that, because the ramp sits on the inside bend of the river, sediment collects in the area. He stated that the St. Johns Marina Ramp is the only ramp in the downtown area, with the next closest ramp located in Arlington. Mr. Burket stated that the ramp had been extended from 42 feet to 54 feet in 2005, but that, because of the sediment buildup, the end of the boat ramp is regularly buried in sediment. Mr. Burket stated that they did clean it out and had performed dredges over the years, but that it had been a number of years since the last dredging.

Jacksonville Waterways Commission · 2026-05-13 · agenda_item

The St. Johns Marina Ramp, located on the Southbank and built in 1965, is proposed for dredging to address sediment buildup that regularly buries the boat ramp. The ramp was previously extended from 42 feet to 54 feet in 2005. A FIND grant was received in 2017 to consider dredging and ramp lengthening, but this was paused due to an aging adjacent bulkhead. The bulkhead has since been replaced, and a new FIND grant is expected for designing spot dredging sites. The project is now in the construction phase, with dredging anticipated by summer 2027. While a preliminary concept for a 12-foot ramp extension exists, funding is not currently available, and the dredging scope cannot include it. The project will involve dredging and potentially site preparation around the ramp area. Contractors specializing in marine construction, dredging, and site preparation could find opportunities as the project moves through its design and construction phases. Early engagement is advised before final bids and permits are issued.

ramp length

42 feet

ramp length

54 feet

ramp extension

12 feet

ramp length

64 feet

parking spaces

13 spaces

parking spaces

15 spaces