Mount Pleasant Allocates $1 Million for Shrimp Boat Dock Renovations
Mount Pleasant, a town with a rich legacy in the shrimping industry, is directing funds towards much-needed upgrades to its shrimp boat docks as it braces for the upcoming bustling shrimping season.
Renovation Goals: Safety and Functionality
The president of the SC Shrimpers Association, Rocky Magwood, emphatically voiced the need for an upgrade stating, “The more boats, the better the dock needs to be”. Magwood highlighted that the current dock structures are worn and pose potential hazards. “When you get to an old dock, the pilings break off and things like that, or the dock can fall apart. You just want to fix that before somebody gets hurt,” Magwood explained.
Renovations to Boost Local Economy
The renovations are not just about enhancing safety measures, but also improving the array of services rendered at the docks. A sophisticated and functional dock infrastructure will likely enhance the shrimping business, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy. The Mount Pleasant budget earmarks funds for the shrimp boat docks to accommodate these safety and functionality upgrades.
Freshness, The Core of Shrimping Passion
Rocky Magwood, a long-time shrimper in the area, also reverberated the importance of freshness in the shrimping business. “You want to eat the freshest you can get. And if we go out and catch it right here and you got it in your backyard and you can come down here and buy it from the boats, it’s a very different taste,” Magwood shared.
A Convenient Budget in Place
The town’s Mayor, Will Haynie, revealed that $1 million has been set aside for the renovation works to commence later this year, with the work expected to extend into 2025. Alongside the renovation plans, the annual Blessing of the Fleet, an event that pays homage to the local shrimp and fishing industry, is slated for April 28.
Reasserting a Hundred Year Old Legacy
Continuing the conversation, Magwood also focused on the importance of the local seafood industry from a community standpoint. “It’s very important that we’re feeding the community fresh seafood. My family’s been doing it for almost a hundred years, so it’s a big thing to me,” he expressed.
Preparing for an Investment Pay-Off
While the renovations may disrupt normal operations at the docks momentarily, the benefits expected in the long run are anticipated to outweigh the temporary inconvenience, making this a strategic investment for Mount Pleasant.
