concrete

Half of the Laughlin Southwinds Marina dock was removed in 2012 because of the rescinding water levels throughout Lake Amistad. During that time frame, operations such gas sales, wet slip and boat rentals were ceased. Current improvements, such as the new electrical access point put in by the 47th Civil Engineer Squadron will prevent that from happening in the future. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt Jhanelle Haag)(Released)

marina

The water-break line located at the Laughlin Southwinds Marina was moved further out to protect the dock and boats anchored to it. If water levels were to decrease again in Lake Amistad, the dock would be able to attach to the boat launch ramp dock. This would allow the marina to still provide gas sales, wet slips and boat rentals. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt Jhanelle Haag)

Southwinds Marina aims to end dry spell

Published Aug. 11, 2015
By 2nd Lt. Jhanelle Haag
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Southwinds Marina is currently collaborating with multiple agencies to make improvements to become fully operational for the upcoming years.

Rescinding water levels prevented the Southwinds Marina from renting boats, wet slips and providing gas sales.

Now, with plenty of rain throughout the 2014 and 2015 year the marina is looking to end the dry spell and make a comeback.

"In 2013 we began to see the water levels rise, but not quite high enough for our recreational boat rentals to be put back out," said Bruce Miller, Force Force Support Squadron Golf Facility manager, who oversees the marina.

Many improvements are being made as a precaution in case the water levels goes down again.

"It's been a joint effort, and without the help of the National Park Services, we wouldn't be able to do this," said Miller.

Concrete cinder blocks are currently being molded to help anchor, extend and mend the dock. Without the National Park Services, the marina would not be able to move the blocks down to the water. Once these improvements have been implemented, wet slips will be available for rent again, explained Miller.

Other improvements include moving the water break line further out to protect the dock and boats anchored to it.

Another key agency has been the 47th Civil Engineer Squadron which provided an additional electrical access point for fuel and electric closer to the boat launch ramp.

"Once everything is in place, if the water were to go down again, we still have the capability to move the entire dock to the boat launch ramp," said Miller. "Once these improvements are finished we will have a fully functional dock despite the water levels."