City of Prairie du Chien - Request for Proposals for St. Feriole Island Marina Operations

The City of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a qualified entity to develop, construct, equip, operate, and maintain a high-quality marina facility on St. Feriole Island. The procurement aims to replace the previous marina operation that concluded in 2018, with the selected contractor responsible for creating a marina that includes approximately 100 boat slips (both seasonal and transient), a boat lift, boat launch with parking, marina office, fuel and dump station, restrooms, laundry, and shower facilities. Proposers must demonstrate extensive experience in marina development and operations, financial capacity, and provide a detailed concept and site plan. The RFP was released on February 1, 2018, with proposals due by 4:00 PM CST on March 8, 2018, requiring one original and four copies of the submission. Evaluation criteria will focus on the proposer's experience, financial stability, operational approach, and proposed annual rent. Potential proposers were encouraged to inspect the site prior to submission, and the City's Common Council anticipated taking action on proposals no later than April 3, 2018. Contact for questions was Chad Abram, City Administrator, who could be reached at (608) 326-6406 or cabram@prairieduchien-wi.gov.

The RFP does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The marina site is located within the Mississippi River Floodway and is subject to extensive environmental and regulatory requirements, including wetland delineation, archaeological survey, contamination remediation, and endangered resources review. The City has committed to leading the process of securing necessary approvals and permits, including obtaining multiple permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. While no specific budget range is mentioned, the proposal requires the selected entity to provide minimum services including boat slip rentals with electricity and water, fuel sales, and a sewage pump-out facility. The City has also identified potential grant funding opportunities to support proposed improvements. Specific lease terms will be negotiated with the selected entity, and the ultimate goal is to establish a high-quality marina operation that serves the local boating community and enhances the St. Feriole Island area.