Marina property — what we need

On behalf of the subcommittee, thank you to the 82+ people who attended the marina property public meeting on Jan. 25. The turnout was better than expected, with quite a few new faces in attendance. Beyond residents from BV County, Clay, Cherokee and Dickenson County residents attended, as did Iowa Lakes Corridor leadership. Your time was greatly appreciated.

As I said during the meeting, the topic of what should be done with the property is polarizing for residents of our county because of the many good options. People tend to feel strongly one way or another, as they should; this is an important decision. It is also a complicated topic, with a lot of history, rumors and sensationalism wrapped around it.

I could go on and on with a history lesson, countering rumors and tamping down speculation and sensational headlines, but what I would prefer to do is tell you what the subcommittee needs, why they need what they do and how you can help.

All three options require some kind of funding outside of what the county can support. Of course, taxpayers won't be asked to support a restaurant/bar or full marina, but a third-party or private vendor will need to or it won't happen. Likewise, it's obvious a nature center would require funding, and it is logical to seek grant funding to kickstart that effort or it won't happen. Yes, the taxpayers will need to support the property itself by virtue of it simply being owned by the county, but that is the case no matter which option is pursued, even if it stays as it currently is.

• Editorial: Failing the marina, again
• DNR, marina transfer deal on ice
• County set to get marina by spring

The subcommittee is charged with fact-finding so the County Conservation Board can make an informed decision based on data, which is smart business logic. We have and are continuing to seek answers to questions and concerns regarding legality, liability and standard operating procedures. The last piece of our work is to gauge how many third-party or private vendors could potentially be interested in funding and operating the "full marina" or "restaurant/bar" options. We are asking interested parties to complete an online form to simply raise their hand anonymously. If the subcommittee doesn't see interest from enough third-party vendors, then the "full marina" or "restaurant/bar" options cannot come to fruition. It is as simple as that. 

How can you help? Encourage private vendors with interest to complete the forms by Feb. 23. A link can be found on the Buena Vista County website. Submitters do not have to be from BV County or even Iowa for that matter.

This does not mean the nature center is off the table; it just means we already have this information. Meaning the subcommittee is aware of the grants that can be applied for and their associated deadlines. 

Going forward, please consider any letter to the editor submitted by the subcommittee as true. Please help us share the truth. If you have a question, email us at BVCountyMarina@gmail.com. The county having oversight of the property is a win and a positive for all BV County residents and visitors, no matter what.