As a means to increase revenue for the parish’s boat harbors, the council approved an ordinance to raise lifting, blocking, and stationary boat lift fees at Buras Boat Harbor and the Empire, Venice, and Pointe a-la Hache shipyards during the February 23 meeting in a 7 – 1 vote. 

The fees, effective immediately, differ for residents and non-residents. At Buras Boat Harbor, the Empire, Venice, and Pointe a-la Hache shipyards, oilfield ships manned by residents will now be charged $6.00 per foot for lifting and blocking, and $3.00 per foot for a lift, double the original price. Commercial fishing ships manned by residents will be charged $4.50 per foot for lifting and blocking–a $1.50 increase from the previous rate, and $2.50 per foot for a lift. 

Additionally, fees for Stationary Lifts located within the Buras Boat Harbor and Venice Shipyard are now based on a three hour minimum, instead of the flat hourly rate. For residents, the rates are $25 for the first three hours and $15 for each subsequent hour. For non-residents the rates are $50 for the first hour and $30 for each subsequent hour. 

In order to qualify for the resident rates, proof of residency is required. This constitutes copies of a valid Drivers’ License, boat registration, and Entergy bill, all with corresponding addresses. 

To maintain allegiance to her constituents, Council woman Marla Cooper opposed the ordinance.

“I’m not in support of this because the commercial fishermen I represent in my area aren’t in support of it,” Cooper said. “But I do know that we need more revenue coming in to our boat harbors. I’ve spoke to a few of our council members, and Billy and Scott, and we are going to work on ways to get on the same page to make more revenue in our boat harbors.”

Cooper went on to say that all fees and charges need to be clearly listed on a contract that ships must sign before they are picked up in the shipyards.

“That way everyone can be on the same page with our fees. Nobody can be quoted a different price. So we can guarantee that revenue is going to come into the harbors,” Cooper explained.

When asked to estimate the amount of revenue these new fees will generate, the council couldn’t give a definitive answer due to the volume of seasonal fishermen.