Gulfport to Get New Boat Slips

Gulfport will benefit from a $268,137 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help build boat slips for recreational boaters.

Gulfport's grant will go toward developing more boat slips behind the Gulfport Casino. The total cost of the project is $380,750.

The grant pays for expansion of a small dock behind the casino building, which is on the edge of the city's tiny shopping district.

The goal of the grant program is to provide more access for recreational boaters who may not be able to afford the high fees of a private marina.

Gulfport was considered a prime recipient of the grant, as the boat slips are near a hub of economic activity and may bring future dollars to downtown merchants.

Gulfport, along with Madeira Beach, recently received grants designed to boost short-term visits by recreational boaters. They were the only two Florida cities to win the grants, according to an article by TBO.com.

Madeira Beach will use its $322,516 grant to help fund a major project for rebuilding all 40 slips at the city's marina. The total cost of the project is $822,066.

The 40-year-old municipal marina is on the Tom Stuart Causeway. Madeira Beach officials say a facelift is long overdue for the marina.

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