Author: SRYC Comms Team

Despite input from IRBBA, many SRYC members and the local boating community, the La Salle County Board voted on July 14th to approve the petition for a special use zoning change from Northern White Sands.

The company, which already had permits to build a slurry pipeline leading to land it leases from the county located east of the county nursing home, asked the county for permission to build a barge fleeting facility next door to Buffalo Rock State Park. On the other end of the pipeline, which is not yet built, the company’s sand mine remains closed, following several layoffs.

The Board split on a 15 to 11 vote. According to a press report in The Times, some commissioners objected to the project because the area is actively used by recreational boaters.

As planned, Dee Bennett Road is closed between the west side of Naplate and the county nursing home. Here’s how to detour around the construction:

From the east take U.S. Route 6 out from Ottawa. Turn left on E13. (There is a sign there for Buffalo Rock State Park.)  Drive south to stop sign, then turn left and follow road down the hill to the next stop sign. This is Dee Bennett road, so follow it to the Club as you would normally.

Here’s a map.

Congratulations to this year’s winner, Shoreline Boat Club!

Photos from Henry Yacht Club, Karen Robertson, Stephanie Kemp.