Conclusion

The most compelling case against providing water-level access comes directly from our insurance agent. 

• Insurance Exclusion: Any activities related to storing or launching kayaks on the Post property are excluded from the current insurance coverage.

• Risk of Non-Renewal or Cancellation: Allowing general public access to use the Post as a watercraft launching point will likely result in the policy not being renewed or being canceled by Farm Bureau.

• Policy Limitations: The current policy only covers standard Post activities, which excludes property storage and public ramp usage.

• Alternative Options: If the membership wants to proceed with the kayak activities, the agent can check with broker carriers, but it will require a different policy with a higher premium.

• High Cost and Funding Issues: Constructing a new facility would require significant funding. Even if initial funding were secured, the project is difficult to justify due to expensive ongoing long-term financial commitments.

• Long-Term Operational Commitments: A new ramp would saddle the Post with permanent, long-term obligations including regular maintenance, future repairs, and scheduling management.

• Environmental and Flood Risks: The project carries a continuous flood repair and flood recovery risk due to its location on the riverbank.

• Regulatory and ADA Compliance: Building a new structure would introduce potential Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance requirements and accommodation obligations.

• Substantial Administrative Effort: The project would demand a significant investment of volunteer time and effort to select, design, and develop an actual facility plan before any construction could even begin.

• Loss of Property Sovereignty: If the Post pursues outside funding sources, it faces possible long-term operational commitments. Furthermore, entering into an outside affiliation could cause the Post to lose some or a major portion of sovereignty over its own property, as external parties in past discussions have been very adamant about dictating who sets the events and times for property use.

• Redundancy with Existing Facilities: Building a private ramp is largely unnecessary because the community is already fortunate to have excellent public river access nearby at Robious Landing Park and Huguenot Flatwater (the latter of which already provides fully ADA-accessible river access).

• Eliminates Hazards: It directly eliminates the current safety hazard posed by the deteriorated ramp.

• Stops Environmental Damage: It halts further erosion of the riverbank.

• Improves Aesthetics: It rectifies the current state of the ramp, which is considered an eyesore, improving the overall appearance of the property.

• Lowest Cost and Effort: It represents the most practical, lowest-cost option requiring the least amount of immediate effort.

• Minimal Long-Term Burden: It avoids adding future operational burdens or long-term structural obligations to the Post.

• Provides the Highest ROI: It is viewed as providing the greatest return on investment for the Post, allowing volunteer time and financial resources to remain focused on primary goals like rentals, festivals, and Legion functions.

• Creates Space for Upgrades: Filling it in creates an excellent opportunity to plant grass and potentially build additional pavilions closer to the water.

• Protects Property Sovereignty: Unlike options that rely on outside funding or external affiliations, filling it in ensures the Post retains complete sovereignty over its own property and scheduling.

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