LAUGHLIN — In response to the rising demand for recreational boating on the Colorado River, local planners have introduced an extensive $33 million development project designed to establish one of the most expansive marina facilities in the region. The proposed initiative, which seeks to add between 900 and 1,400 covered boat slips, also envisions the creation of a multi-use park area complete with sandy beach zones, a dedicated non-motorized launch facility, and potential spaces for retail, dining, and watercraft rentals. This development, aimed at alleviating congestion and meeting the evolving needs of both residents and visitors, is set to transform Laughlin Lagoon into a premier destination along the river corridor.
Addressing the Boating Surge
The Colorado River has experienced a noticeable upswing in boating activity over recent years. Robert Bilbray, Strategic Development Advisor for the Laughlin Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), noted at a recent Laughlin Town Advisory Board meeting that the increase in vessels—from areas stretching from Topock to Katherine Landing—became evident around 2018. “We initially invested approximately $5 million to dredge the lagoon, followed by an additional $900,000 to refine the design through the Fort Mohave Development Fund,” Bilbray explained. “We did not fully anticipate the level of activity that would develop, particularly given the continuous flow of boaters even during challenging times such as the pandemic.”
Managing Capacity and Demand
Existing facilities, including those at the nearby Big Bend State Recreation Area, have struggled to keep pace with the high demand. Extended wait times have become commonplace during peak periods, underscoring the necessity for expanded infrastructure. The new project is specifically designed to address these issues by providing ample moorage for high-value boats, which typically range in value from $220,000 to $290,000. By alleviating the current backlog and offering modern, secure docking options, the marina is expected to enhance the overall boating experience in the region.
A New Vision for Laughlin Lagoon
Spanning approximately 45 acres of predominantly state-owned land, the Laughlin Lagoon—also known as Laughlin Bay—has long served as a natural retreat for both leisure and wildlife. Originally formed in the early 1960s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through a series of channelization projects, the lagoon is characterized by its sandy shores and islands abundant with riparian vegetation. These natural features have historically made the area a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, particularly due to its no-wake regulation, which ensures calm waters ideal for non-motorized activities.
Transforming the Waterfront
The redevelopment plans call for a comprehensive overhaul of the area, integrating both marine and terrestrial amenities. In addition to the planned boat slips, the project will include the development of a public park featuring beach areas with necessary facilities such as restrooms and picnic ramadas equipped for barbecuing. This park is intended not only to serve boaters but also to provide a recreational hub for the local community, with the potential addition of an outdoor amphitheater capable of seating up to 800 individuals.
Retail and food service components will also be integrated into the project design, ensuring that visitors have convenient access to a variety of services while enjoying their stay. These measures aim to create a balanced environment that supports both leisure activities and economic growth in Laughlin.
Economic Benefits and Community Support
The marina project is positioned as a significant driver for local economic development. According to a 2022 survey conducted by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, approximately 14% of Laughlin’s 1.3 million annual visitors cited boating as their primary motivation for travel. This strong interest in boating, coupled with the current shortage of available slips at existing facilities, suggests that the new development could play a crucial role in boosting tourism revenue and creating jobs in the area.
Enhancing Regional Tourism
Local stakeholders, including several homeowners associations and hotel operators, have expressed enthusiastic support for the project. The proximity of the planned marina to major hotels in Laughlin is seen as a major advantage, as it would allow visitors to moor their vessels overnight without the logistical challenges associated with daily launches and retrievals. “The demand for secure, covered slips is clearly evident,” Bilbray remarked. “Many local organizations have already approached us with interest in pre-leasing a portion of these new slips for their members.”
Such developments are expected to stimulate additional investment in Laughlin’s tourism infrastructure, providing a boost to related industries and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a top recreational destination along the Colorado River.
Environmental Considerations and Regulatory Framework
Given the dynamic conditions of the Colorado River—characterized by daily variations in water levels due to electricity generation and downstream agricultural demands—any large-scale marina development must navigate complex environmental and regulatory challenges. The fast-moving water, which averages around 9 miles per hour, poses specific difficulties for on-water moorage systems. However, the naturally protected conditions of Laughlin Lagoon offer a more stable setting for this type of infrastructure.
Collaborative Management and Sustainability
To address environmental concerns effectively, the LEDC has proposed that the project be managed in partnership with Nevada State Parks and implemented by an experienced concessionaire. This collaborative approach is expected to integrate the new marina facilities seamlessly into the existing Big Bend State Recreation Area, thereby optimizing maintenance operations and ensuring compliance with all relevant environmental regulations. Such a strategy not only promotes sustainable development but also reinforces the long-term viability of the project within the broader ecological context of the region.
Future Developments and Community Engagement
As the Laughlin Lagoon project progresses through its planning stages, updates will continue to be shared at forthcoming Laughlin Town Advisory Board meetings. Community feedback remains a cornerstone of the development process, with local residents and business leaders actively contributing insights that will shape the final design and operational strategy.
Strategic Outlook and Long-Term Impact
The proposed marina is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for further regional growth, balancing the needs of a vibrant tourism industry with sustainable environmental practices. By providing state-of-the-art marine infrastructure alongside versatile recreational spaces, the project is expected to enhance the overall quality of life in Laughlin. Economic forecasts suggest that the addition of modern, secure boat slips and complementary amenities will help attract a higher volume of high-value visitors, thereby contributing to a more diversified and resilient local economy.
Local officials and economic development experts remain cautiously optimistic about the potential of the Laughlin Lagoon project. With a carefully crafted plan that addresses both immediate capacity concerns and long-term strategic goals, this initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to regional development—one that is well aligned with the evolving needs of Laughlin’s residents, visitors, and the broader economic landscape of Mohave County.
—Jeremy Webb
