BOS considers request for Viking to dock at Letourneau when water levels are low

On Monday, Board Attorney Blake Teller brought a request from Viking Cruise Lines before the Board of Supervisors to consider allowing them to dock temporarily at the landing North of Letourneau when low water levels deem it necessary.

Board President Kelle Barfield reminded the Board that three boats made a similar request last year and in fact, being approved, ended up leaving the landing better than they found it.

“They’re fully aware that [the landing] has issues; Last time they actually made improvements bringing in gravel… and so forth,” stated Barfield.

According to the Board, the low water levels of last year necessitated the boats docking at Letourneau for over two weeks.

When asked by Supervisor Shawn Jackson whether there were liabilities to consider, Teller reassured that it the county should be safe since, “It’s a public dock.” although he agreed with Jackson that since it was “being used for commercial purposes,” it would be a good idea to have “a letter or a lease agreement with an Indemnity to protect from any harm that may result from falling, etc.”

Thus the request was approved, with the Board deciding to write up a “seasonal lease with an indemnity provision” just to be safe.

“We’re of course protected by sovereign immunity, but in America anyone can sue for anything,” Teller concluded in favor of the precaution, “It might be nice to add a layer of protection.”