Port riverfront lot could become County Coastal Fast Response Boat facility
- Mike Lednovich
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
Port Authority officials have begun talks with Nassau County regarding a port parcel on the Amelia River being used as a facility for the county's new 48-foot coastal fast response boat.
Ocean Highway and Port Authority Chairman Justin Taylor told fellow commissioners Wednesday that he has had preliminary discussions with County Manager Taco Pope and Fire Chief Brady Rigdon regarding the port property on North Front Street.
"I'm requesting that we formally begin exploring the opportunity for Nassau County Fire Rescue to utilize the Front Street property as a site for their new marine rescue station,"
Taylor said. "I believe this initiative aligns with our shared responsibility to serve the community and support to a long-term vision. This is more than just a, a property transaction. It's just supposed to contribute meaningful public safety infrastructure. And so, as the demand for well-positioned emergency services continues to grow, our property, this Front Street property, presents a very unique and timely opportunity to meet that for the community.
Last September, the county was awarded a Department of Homeland Security/FEMA grant of $995,936 with a matching amount of $331,979 to support marine rescue operations and expand fire/rescue capability across Nassau County’s waterways.
In January, the county awarded a contract with Silver Ships, Inc., totaling $1,104,763.74 for the 48-foot Coastal Fast Response Boat.
The boat is expected to be put into operation in late 2026.
The .86-acre parcel was acquired by OHPA in 1989 and is valued at $969,000, according to county records.
"I like the idea of a lease, just because I like the idea of a partnership, not just, like, passing it off. I think it's great," said Commissioner Miriam Hill. "It would just be good to know a bit more about, like, what, what their (the county) actual physical support needs would be for the site."
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