Parish zeroes in on Pier 90 to construct public boat launch

After years of searching for an ideal spot to build a public boat launch, St. Charles Parish officials have targeted a popular bar and launch located on Highway 90 in Luling that is set to undergo an expansion.

Marsh Investment Corporation, who owns Pier 90 and the land surrounding it, has entered into an agreement with the parish to develop a public boat launch. If constructed, the parish would completely redo the current private boat launch located at Pier 90, according to parish spokeswoman Renee Simpson.

Pier 90 is the only boat launch on the eastern side of the parish.

While the project is still in the early planning stages, Parish President V.J. St. Pierre said the parish would also construct restrooms at the site along with a parking area for up to 100 vehicles.

Additionally, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has expressed an interest in expanding its presence in the area by building a public education center near Pier 90 to teach residents about hunting and fishing, according to Mike Sherman, a lawyer who represents Marsh Investment Corporation.

Sherman said that the Pier 90 bar would also undergo a massive upgrade and that Marsh Investment Corporation hopes to build cabins around the bar and seek other private investors.

“This is really exciting for us,” Sherman said. “Pier 90 is a special place, but it’s not in great condition. We want a beautiful facility that will serve as a gateway into St. Charles Parish.”

Councilman Paul Hogan applauded the parish’s efforts to secure a public boat launch saying that having access to waterways is an important part of living in Louisiana.

The parish is still in talks with Marsh Investment Corporation concerning the details of the deal and is not sure how much land will be donated for the launch. However, on Monday the Parish Council approved a resolution that will allow the parish to apply for grant funding for the boat launch.

The parish will seek proposals from the Wallop-Breaux Fund, a state program used to create opportunity for sport fishing and boating. The fund provides up to $500,000 a year.