Transformed Lawrenceburg Casino Riverboat to Evolve into Alabama's Biggest Synthetic Marine Habitat
The Argosy Lawrenceburg Casino, a four-story floating casino that operated along the Ohio River for over a decade, is set to undergo a significant transformation. After being docked at the Bayou La Batre City Docks since 2018, the vessel will be sunk to create an artificial reef off Alabama's Gulf Coast.
The process involves relocating the vessel to a preparation site, removing hazardous materials, and making it safe for scuttling. Once prepared, the sinking will take place in a designated location ideal for diving and ecosystem development. The project aims to enhance marine biodiversity and support tourism through activities like sport diving.
The Argosy riverboat, which opened in 1996 and welcomed over 1.7 million visitors in its last full year of operation in 2008, is set to become the largest artificial reef off Alabama's Gulf Coast. This transformation is part of a larger project, the BLB City Docks, which includes the renovation of the docks, boat slips, beautification, and other improvements, funded through the 2012 RESTORE Act.
The plan to sink the Argosy Lawrenceburg Casino and make it an "iron shell" on the seabed is not just an environmental initiative. It also holds the promise of long-term recovery for Bayou La Batre, which was affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, emphasised this point, stating that the project will bring significant benefits to the region.
Artificial reefs, such as the one planned from the former Argosy Lawrenceburg, provide habitat and shelter for marine life, promote biodiversity, support fishing, and provide coastal protection. They have been instrumental in revitalising marine ecosystems and boosting local economies through tourism and fishing industries.
The Argosy Lawrenceburg Casino was previously swapped out for a larger barge in 2009. However, its history is not without incident. During storms, the two former casino riverboats in Bayou La Batre have broken loose, causing damage to nearby structures. With the sinking of the Argosy Lawrenceburg Casino, these incidents are expected to be a thing of the past.
The dismantling of the Argosy Lawrenceburg Casino is currently underway, with Robert Akridge leading the process. The vessel was sold to a local authority or organisation with a plan to convert it into an artificial reef. The timeline for the sinking process typically takes about 18 months after acquiring the vessel and receiving all necessary approvals.
While specific updates on the Argosy riverboat's project timeline are not yet available, the precedent timeline and process for sinking artificial reefs in Alabama and nearby Florida Gulf Coast areas provide a reliable framework. The transformation of the Argosy Lawrenceburg Casino into an artificial reef is not just a change in location, but a new beginning for the vessel and the marine ecosystem it will soon call home.
[1] Artificial Reefs: The Argosy Lawrenceburg Casino Transformation [2] Mobile County Commission Awards $24.4 Million for BLB City Docks Renovation [3] Artificial Reefs: The Importance and Process of Sinking Vessels
- The Argosy Lawrenceburg Casino, a formerly operating riverboat casino, is being transformed into an artificial reef off Alabama's Gulf Coast.
- Following its removal from Bayou La Batre City Docks in 2018, the casino will undergo a process that involves relocating, hazardous materials removal, and preparation for sinking.
- Once ready, the sinking will take place in a designated location, contributing to diving activities and ecosystem development.
- The transformation of the Argosy Lawrenceburg Casino aims to enhance marine biodiversity and support tourism through sports diving and fishing.
- This initiative is part of the larger BLB City Docks project, funded by the 2012 RESTORE Act, which includes dock renovation, beautification, and other improvements.
- The sinking of the Argosy riverboat, which operated from 1996 to 2008, will bring significant benefits to the region, particularly Bayou La Batre, which was affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
- Artificial reefs, like the one planned from the former Argosy Lawrenceburg, provide habitat and shelter for marine life, promote biodiversity, support fishing, and provide coastal protection.
- Robert Akridge is leading the dismantling of the Argosy Lawrenceburg Casino, which was sold to a local authority or organization to be converted into an artificial reef.
- The timeline for the sinking process typically spans about 18 months after acquiring the vessel and receiving all necessary approvals, as seen in previous artificial reef creation projects in Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast areas.
