City officials unveiled plans this week for a $2 million public boat launch on a state-owned tract, but Alabama’s top conservation official said he’s unsure whether he’ll approve the Perdido Key project amid protests from some Ono Island residents.

At a public meeting Tuesday night, about 70 people viewed plans for the facility, which would include five ramps into Old River just across the waterway from the western tip of the gated island community. City officials have long contended that a third public launch is needed to relieve overcrowding at facilities on Boggy Point and Cotton Bayou.

City eyes Old River launch