Newly Renovated J.E. Turner Mount Vernon Public Boat Ramp Provides Improved Access to Outdoor Recreation in South Alabama

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Press release

January 30, 2025

Contact: Keith Henderson, (334) 242-3471

Newly Renovated J.E. Turner Mount Vernon Public Boat Ramp Provides Improved Access to Outdoor Recreation in South Alabama

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, representatives from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), Alabama Legislature, Town of Mount Vernon and Mobile County took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the reopening of the recently renovated J.E. Turner Mount Vernon Public Boat Ramp located just east of Mount Vernon in south Alabama.

The facility was temporarily closed in August 2024 for a $2 million renovation that included a new two-lane launching slab that was constructed directly into the river channel to alleviate siltation issues experienced at the previous boat ramp. Additional improvements include a new 170-foot floating access pier, an expanded parking area and a new weigh-in pavilion for fishing tournaments. The facility is also Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessible. The J.E. Turner Mount Vernon Public Boat Ramp is one of several public boat ramps operated by ADCNR that offer access to outdoor recreation on the Mobile River and the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.

"This updated facility will benefit the local community and surrounding areas for decades to come by providing improved access to boating and fishing," said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. "The improvements at Mount Vernon also make it an excellent choice to host fishing tournaments that positively impact the local economy. We are grateful for the partnerships that made this project a reality. I especially thank Governor Kay Ivey for supporting all of the outdoor recreation infrastructure projects we've completed recently. We are excited about several additional boating access projects currently in the works throughout the state."

Alabama State Senator Jack Williams and State Representative Shane Stringer, whose districts include Mount Vernon, praised the partnerships that made the J.E. Turner Public Boat Ramp renovation possible.

"It's a great day for Mount Vernon, Mobile County and the State of Alabama," said Sen. Williams. "I want to thank Governor Ivey and Commissioner Blankenship for their efforts to get this project completed. This boat launch is very important to all Alabamians that enjoy our great outdoors, including boaters, anglers and hunters. Representative Stringer and I have spoken with many local residents about how important this boat launch is to them and their families. We encourage everyone to visit the new facility and experience the exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities that south Alabama has to offer."

"We extend our sincere gratitude to Governor Ivey, Commissioner Blankenship and everyone involved in the approval, design and construction of the J.E. Turner Boat Ramp in Mount Vernon," said Rep. Stringer. "This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment to enhancing recreational access for our community. The dedication and hard work that went into this project is truly appreciated. We look forward to seeing this new facility benefit residents and visitors alike for years to come."

The Mount Vernon renovation is part of a series of boat ramp improvement projects currently in progress throughout the state. This boating access improvement project was completed through a partnership between ADCNR, the Town of Mount Vernon and Mobile County. The project was funded by ADCNR from Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funds.

In addition to the Mount Vernon renovation, the parking lots and entrance road at the McIntosh Bluff Public Boat Ramp on the Tombigbee River in Washington County were recently repaved. Funding for the McIntosh improvements was provided through the Sport Fish restoration Program, which is supported through excise taxes on the sale of outboard motor fuel, fishing equipment and the sale of Alabama fishing licenses. Additional funding was provided by Innovate Alabama, a statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation with a mission to help businesses grow roots in Alabama.

The J.E. Turner Mount Vernon Public Boat Ramp is free to use and is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week year-round. For more information about this and other public boating and fishing access areas provided by ADCNR, visit http://www.outdooralabama.com/freshwater-boating-access or call the Fisheries Section of ADCNR's Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division at (334) 242-3471.

ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at http://www.outdooralabama.com.

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Attached Photos by Billy Pope, ADCNR

1-ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship was joined by Alabama State Senator Jack Williams, State Representative Shane Stringer, Mount Vernon Mayor Eric Peoples, and other local officials for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the reopening of the recently renovated J.E. Turner Mount Vernon Public Boat Ramp located just east of Mount Vernon in south Alabama, on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

2-Attendees at a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the newly renovated J.E. Turner Mount Vernon Public Boat Ramp in south Alabama.

3-The newly renovated J.E. Turner Mount Vernon Public Boat Ramp features a new two-lane launching slab, a new 170-foot floating access pier, an expanded parking area, and a new weigh-in pavilion for fishing tournaments.