Economic Development and Housing

Downtown Boat Slips Project - Quick Facts

What the project includes:

• 129-140 public boat slips on the downtown waterfront
• Over 1,700 feet of overnight "side-tie" mooring for visitors
• Over 800 feet of free "side-tie" mooring for daytime visitors and special events
• Renovations to the Drew Street Pier building for restrooms, showers, security office and laundry
• Parking improvements and landscaping
• Landing for ferry service to the beach and commercial pickup/drop-off

What the project does NOT include:

• Permanent fencing along the waterfront or anywhere else in the park
• Permanent commercial tenants
• Dockside storage lockers or other visual impediments
• Fueling facilities or fuel docks

What the project will cost:

• $11 million (approx. $10 million construction & bonding and $1 million for associated upland improvements) 

How it will be paid for:

• NEW! - The city has received $1.2 million in state/federal grant funding and continues to pursue additional grant opportunities as they arise.
• A 20-year bond, paid back with revenues from slip rentals, will pay the majority of the cost. This means the users of the facility will bear the majority of costs.
• $50,000 annually for 10 years from the Clearwater Downtown Development Board.
• $500,000 from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
• Depending on the amount of grants received, the city will adjust rates appropriately to fund the project.

Review a spreadsheet detailing the expected operating results for the proposed downtown boat slips over 40 years (PDF file)