City of Stockton News Release

Connie Cochran
Public Information Officer

(209) 937-8827
connie.cochran@ci.stockton.ca.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Stockton Celebrates Completion of Downtown Marina Construction

(Stockton, CA) - Stockton City Council approved an agreement with Westrec Marina Management, Inc., with a vote of 6-0 and established a fee structure for use of the facility under a separate agenda item, making official the opening of the downtown Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Friday, October 30, 2009.

Preparation, planning and construction of the Marina included processes that spanned a period of over two decades. Funding of $22 million was ultimately secured with low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and California Department of Boating & Waterways and grants from U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife, California River and Parkways and California Department of Boating and Waterways. Construction began just over a year ago and was completed within the last couple of weeks. Securing a professional Marina operator was the final step in the process.

The Downtown Marina consists of 66 permanent slips that welcome and accommodate boats as large as 80 feet with an additional 1,400 lineal feet of guest docks along the north and south shore. The improved and expanded Joan Darrah Promenade allows pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the waterfront from the north shore of the channel by the Stockton Ballpark and Arena, along Center Street and following along the south shore to the Morelli Park Boat Launch.

The City of Stockton, in partnership with the Downtown Stockton Alliance and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, October 30, 2009. A series of activities will take place throughout the day, leading up to the celebration, with yacht clubs and a rowing demonstration by the University of the Pacific, Pacific Crew. Other highlights include participation of the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of Stockton and San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department Water Patrol boats. Attendees are encouraged to continue the celebration at the Waterfront Warehouse restaurants and other downtown eating establishments and remain downtown to view the magnificence of the Marina lighting and evening ambience.

For details and additional information, please visit www.stocktongov.com, or, call the City of Stockton Revitalization Department at (209) 937-8539.
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