Rivergate Boat Ramp Revenue Up in 2012
The boat ramp brought in $14,659 for the township in 2012, almost a $3,000 increase from 2011.
After a very slow 2011 season, earnings from West Deptford's Rivergate Boat Ramp increased in 2012. However, 2012's numbers don't even come close to the money it brought in just a few years ago.
In 2012, the boat ramp brought in $14,659, up considerably from $11,796 during 2011. The 2011 earnings were the lowest for the boat ramp since 2006.
Township recreation director Greg Ley laid out the figures during his report at last week's recreation advisory committee meeting. While it's good news revenue increased in 2012, Ley said, he cited the economy for the boat ramp's failure to bring in as much cash as it did in 2008 and 2009.
In 2008, the boat ramp had its best season yet, pulling in $23,156. After that season, revenue slowly decreased, down to $17,832 in 2009 and $14,975 in 2010 before hitting its low figure in 2011.
The price for parking in boat ramp in 2012 was $15. The boat ramp closed for the season on Nov. 30 and its docks have been removed for the winter. It will re-open on April 1.
Jack
8:18 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Did you ever think that $15 to launch a boat might be what's keeping people away ?Try lowering the cost to a reasonable amount and you will get more customers,increase your revenue,and make the boaters happier.
JD Ackley
11:32 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
The year over year decline matches up with what the economy is doing and discretionary spending on recreation is always the first be withheld by consumers. I have to agree that the cost for the services rendered seems pretty high but I am not aware what the competition charges for similar services in our market.
All in all the boat launch is a nice facility with easy access to major highways. From the outside it doesn't look to require much overhead to operate and the revenue going to pay the investment in it's initial build. But we have to pay for Riverwinds somehow...
Jack MaGee
3:35 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I give Greg ley alot of credit for his continued excellence in recreation. When my friends on the planning board have failed miserably to bring in new business, revenue is always up at the boat ramp.
Proud D
4:08 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
It's the Planning Board's job to bring new business to the Township?
Speed racer
7:17 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
They should lower the cost. 15 is high for a dirty river with tug boats. A jet ski should get reduced pricing since they only park for 2-3 hours at most.
NOB HILL
9:04 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
The highest years of revenue was when the price was $10. $15 is too high to attract the boaters of Gloucester County. The money to build the boat ramp was aquired from a grant from N.J. Fish & Wildlife. That is why the ramp is "free" you only pay West Deptford to park & that money was supposed to be used for upkeep & Ramp Rangers. The ramp was never intended to produce revenue to pay for Riverwinds ( or other Twp expenses). It was built so the residents of West Deptford would have another great recreational area and access to the river & to be able to launch thier boat at a RESONABLE price.
Put the price back to $10 & income will increase & the boaters will be happy!