Marina growth dictating expansion

FORT MADISON – The Fort Madison Marina is showing significant growth since the revitalization of the facility in 2023, according to information from the non-profit running the marina.
The Marina, also known as the non-profit Southeast Iowa Aquatic Restoration Group, was created to improve, sustain, and support the marina facility to ensure quality river access and recreation for boating enthusiasts up and down the Mississippi River.
Prior to 2023 the marina struggled economically with poor access to the services due to low water levels and poor access to docks and services.
But when efforts ramped up to completely scrap the previous marina presence and address dredge issues, flood damage and actual impacts of the flow of the river, several entities came to the table to plan for the future. Prior to that it was the city’s responsibility to maintain the marina and tight budgets allowed for only about $45,000 per year to go to marina upkeep. No capital was allocated for major repairs or dredging.
Forming the non-profit relieved the city of the financial burden, however the city still owns the property. It is leased to the non-profit, who then leases some part of the property to the hospitality center Turnwater Bar & Grill. The hospitality center also operates the convenience store including fuel sales.
The city put $1.5 million into the program which then triggered additional grants and a private fundraising effort that generated close to a $14 million investment in the new marina. The city, the non-profit, and the for-profit Turnwater operations, make up the lease partners in the marina campus.
The city leases the marina property to the non-profit for a $1/year and then the non-profit leases the ground for the hospitality center to Turnwater for an annual payment that wasn't disclosed. Turnwater also does small repairs to the dock area.
Funding for the project came from the $1.5 million in city funds; $1.5 million from Southeast Iowa Regional Riverboat Commission; approximately $1.2 million from Federal Emergency Management Agency to address flooding issues; $1.5 million from the Great River Health System Hospital Foundation; $3.5 million in private donor contributions; and $3 million in private investments to stand up Turnwater operations.
The city is also now working on raising funds to include a modern play area that will be situated just west of the marina in Riverview Park.
According to a spokesperson for the non-profit, prior to the redevelopment the marina had few slip renters and these low numbers were continuing to dwindle due to substandard dock conditions, inconsistent water depths, shortage of access from flooding and an overall lack of necessary updates.
“A major part of the renovation was not only to add new docks but to increase the slip availability; expanding the marina to a total of 140 long-term slips, 68 of those being covered, and 32 courtesy/transient slips,” the spokesperson wrote in a response to a request from Pen City Current.
The response said due to demand the marina will add another section of covered docks for the 2027 boating season.
“After two years of operation and a steady increase in slip rental the overall feedback and demand has been to increase the amount of covered slips the marina has to offer,” the spokesperson wrote. “To respond to a waiting list and future demand, the FM Marina group approved the purchase of an additional covered dock in 2026. The new dock construction is ahead of schedule and will be ready to be reserved for the 2027 boating season.”

According to data provided since the marina’s reopening three years ago, there has been a ‘steady, constant growth”.
"Fort Madison Marina group is very pleased with the lease status after adapting to the significant demand of 12x24 to 12x30 covered slips," the spokesperson wrote.
 The 2026 stats for annual dock leases showed that 25 of 30 in Covered Dock B were leased out; 33 of 34 in Covered Dock C; and 17 of 36 in the uncovered D Dock. The E Dock which is also uncovered had only 3 of 32 leased out. The jetski dock (F) had 9 of 12 slips leased.
According to the non-profit, the new Covered D dock will address a waiting list for covered slips of 20, that will be available in 2027. The existing uncovered D dock is being moved to E dock location and the current E slips will be removed.
For 2027 B Dock rates for a 14x40 will be $3,000 per year with largest sizes up to $4,000 per year. The C Dock rates which are smaller from 12x24 to 12x30 run $1,950 per year to $2,250. The new E Dock which holds 10x24 crafts is $1,350 per year and the Jet Ski dock (F) is $450 per year.
Annual slip rentals are increasing each year and thriving. Slip rentals are on an annual basis and fees are based on slip size, according to the Marina’s price sheet.
Transient boaters passing up and down the river can stay overnight for $35.00 per night. Transient, overnight, slip rentals have seen a consistent upward trend as well, per non-profit data..
Currently the Army Corps of Engineers is doing dredging at the mouth and along the jetty wall as a courtesy. The work also helps maintain channel flow which benefits the river system as a whole.
“The Fort Madison Marina has a primary focus of sustainability, Marinas on the Mississippi require significant maintenance with dredging and dock maintenance. Fort Madison Marina is in a great position with high-quality steel and concrete docks that we expect to have a great life span, allowing the Marina to focus expenditures on necessary maintenance dredging,” per a statement from the non-profit board.
Pen City Current informally requested to look at the non-profits books for a comprehensive report on the financial condition of the non-profit considering there is $1.5 million in taxpayer money in the project. That request was declined by the board. Iowa code specifically states that the presence of public funds in a non-profit structure does not mandate the board’s financial records be public records. The group is a private non-profit and therefore under no obligation to share that information per Iowa code.
*The FM Marina makes a significant financial investment each year in maintaining, repairing, and improving the marina and its area. As with any organization responsible for substantial property and infrastructure, these expenses are ongoing and often considerable. While the specific expenditures vary from year to year depending on the needs of the facilities, our commitment to maintaining and improving the marina remains consistent.
“We enjoy their many voices and remarks and we encourage boaters and renters to communicate . Overall, it’s been very positive feedback. We have several boaters from outside of the area as far as St. Louis area harboring in Fort Madison, staying on their boats over the weekend,” the board's statement indicated.
“The marina is a tremendous example of what can be accomplished through dedication, collaboration, and a shared vision for our communities in the Tri-States. Our nonprofit board invested countless volunteer hours into making this project a reality; working diligently to secure grants, coordinate fundraising efforts, and garner generous donations and through community support. We are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished and of the continued success of the marina! The investment is delivering on its intended purpose, and we look forward to seeing its positive impact on the community continue to grow for decades to come."