The Dubuque County Conservation Department is seeking funding for infrastructure improvements that could impact campground operations and outdoor recreation businesses.
Conservation Director Brian Preston has requested $628,000 for capital improvements, emphasizing projects that enhance safety and generate revenue.
Among the proposed projects, campground and marina enhancements stand out as key investments.
Preston is seeking $80,000 to replace the aging gas pump and dock at Massey Marina, a facility that serves as the only fuel stop for many miles along the Mississippi River.
According to a report by the Telegraph Herald, the marina generates revenue through slip rental fees and a contractor-operated fuel station, making it a critical asset for both boaters and the county.
“The wave action has been beating up the Styrofoam billets beneath. We actually have to get a crane in to lift the dock up, then add more Styrofoam billets under there,” Preston explained. He also emphasized that a loss of marina services could impact slip revenues.
Campground operators could also see benefits from a proposed $100,000 investment in the completion of the bike and pedestrian trail along John Deere Road, which would connect the Proving Grounds Recreation Area to the Heritage Trail.
The expansion could increase visitor traffic and enhance the region’s outdoor appeal.
Preston also requested $70,000 to update the Dubuque County Comprehensive Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces long-range plan.
The revised plan would help secure outside funding and guide future investments in outdoor recreation, potentially benefiting local campgrounds and tourism-related businesses.
With budget constraints posing challenges, county officials must decide how to allocate limited funds while balancing the need for infrastructure improvements that support outdoor recreation revenue streams.
The outcome of these budget discussions could have lasting implications for campground and marina operators, as well as the broader outdoor hospitality industry in Dubuque County.