Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — In recent weeks the residents of Gulf Shores have expressed their concerns about the possible closure of a boat launch located under the W.C. Holmes Bridge, on the Intracoastal Waterway. Local citizens have voiced the opposition to the termination of the free launch area in previous meetings with the council.

In a victory for local residents, boaters, and charter operators, the Gulf Shores City Council voted to approve Resolution 7169, extending the city's lease agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) for the properties under the Highway 59 bridge. Crucially, the lease was approved with a specific, resident-driven amendment: the Canal Park boat launch ramp must remain open.

Just before the council's vote was taken, Mayor Robert Craft emphasized "amended to include NOT closing the boat launch ramp."

Resolution 7169 was officially introduced and approved as amended with the strict stipulation that the boat launch remains open.

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The resolution's approval marks a major turnaround from the initial proposals presented during the August 17, 2026, council work session. At that meeting, city staff had recommended permanently closing the boat launch. They proposed transforming the area under the bridge into additional public parking, greenspace, an expanded canal park, and a covered boardwalk with viewing areas.

However, local residents and charter captains strongly pushed back. Standing-room-only crowds packed the council chambers to voice their dependency on the Canal Park ramp. Boaters emphasized that the ICW ramp is frequently overcrowded and chaotic on weekends. Inshore charter operators testified that they rely heavily on the canal launch during spring and fall when high winds make more exposed sites—like County Road 6—too dangerous to navigate. Additionally, residents identified the ramp as a vital safety asset for evacuating boats during hurricanes.

The motion passed with one abstention from Councilman Phillip Harris, who had previously disclosed an ownership interest in adjacent property and stepped away from the vote to avoid a conflict of interest.

With the lease successfully extended and amended, local boaters can rest assured that their direct access to the waterway remains secured for years to come.