The permit would allow Marine Services to manage the tractor-assisted launch at the Anchor River State Recreation Area for two years. It carries the option of extended service for five one-year periods.
Jack Blackwell, coastal district manager with the state Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, said the agreement between the state and Marine Services will be slightly different than what was outlined in the state's request for proposals.
The open launch period will now extend until mid-September, longer than in past years. But service will be provided under reduced hours from Labor Day until Sept. 15 under the agreement, Blackwell said.
"I don't foresee that as a big problem. The service will still be provided" until Sept. 15, as described in the state's original request, Blackwell said.
That request for proposals to run the launch ramp garnered two applicants — Marine Services and Tim Kasnick, a Homer resident. Kasnick received a tentative offer from the state two weeks ago, but he withdrew shortly after.
The area's parking lot will not be managed by Marine Services, although the state's request had listed that responsibility. Instead, the parking lot will be handled by Anchorage-based Alaska Recreational Management, which last month was awarded responsibility for managing the recreation area.
"Marine Services indicated they were not interested in providing that service," Blackwell said.
The launch service was used to launch and retrieve more than 3,800 boats last year, according to parks officials. It is scheduled to open May 1.
Joe Allred, who has managed the launch for 11 years, did not apply for the permit. Tonda, Allred's wife, said he is looking forward to working on other projects.
The state will accept appeals on the management of the launch until April 6. Comments from the public and parks advisers regarding management duties already have been accepted, and the state incorporated some of those comments in the request for proposals, Blackwell said.
Chris Eshleman can be reached at chris.eshleman@homernews.com.
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