LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) - Since April, boat landing usage fees have raised nearly 50 thousand dollars. This money is being used to repair landings, add trash and recycling receptacles, maintain bathroom facilities and build docks at the city's four boat landings.
"It's really made it much easier for completing tasks and improvements that need to be done," says Jay Odegaard, Recreation Supervisor for the City of La Crosse Parks and Recreation Department. "Improvements that are being brought to our attention on a daily basis."
In the past, boat landing maintenance was funded by grants and could take years to complete. But this is no longer the case.
"Instead of trying to figure out where we're going to get funds, and looking at two three four years down the road," says Odegaard. "We have a very good possibility of it being finished in the same week. In the same season for sure."
The boat landing fee received mixed feedback when it was first announced. But as repairs are made, opinions are changing.
"For the most part, the users have kind of grown to understand that this money is going toward the facilities that they are using," says Odegaard. "And it's not something that's going to be spent in other areas."
Besides continuing with regular maintenance, the parks and recreation department hopes to add more canoe and kayak landings, and eventually replace landing ramps that are starting to deteriorate.
Boat landing fees are required at the 7th Street, Municipal Harbor, East Copeland, and West Copeland boat harbors. Daily permits can be purchased at any of the boat landings. Annual stickers are available at City Hall, the Black River Beach Neighborhood Center, and South Side Neighborhood Center.
More information about the boat landing usage fees can be found at the City of La Crosse website at http://www.cityoflacrosse.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=894 .
