BAY MINETTE - The Baldwin County Commission gave the nod for an improvement package this morning on the recently purchased Live Oak landing, and will conduct a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. at the North Baldwin site on State Road 225.

The County’s Live Oak Landing property is adjacent to the Baldwin County Bicentennial Park.

Items approved today include:   Purchasing and finishing the interior of a 10- by 16-foot storage building at an estimated cost of $4,500.   Installing electric power to the storage building at an estimated cost of $2,500.   Renting four portalets at a cost of $90 each per month.   Hiring temporary labor as needed to man the entrance station at an estimated cost not to exceed $1,680 per week, based on park hours of 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week (112 hours) at $15 an hour.   Setting boat launch fees of $5 per day/$75 annually. The purchase of Live Oak Landing provided for the protection and conservation of coastal habitats through preservation and will provide numerous opportunities for educational and recreational activities, according to county documents.

Tournaments already have been held at the site and county officials are hoping to attract professional anglers and tourists as an economic benefit.

Live Oak Landing was purchased by the Baldwin County Commission in August. The gross purchase price was $3.8 million.

The property was funded through Coastal Impact Assistance Program funds totaling $2.5 million and by the County Commission with the use of General Obligation Warrants, Series 2008-B in the amount of $530,000, with a portion of the property being donated to the County.