NEW CUMBERLAND – Hancock County commissioners approved an updated concessionaire agreement for Kennedy Marina Thursday, including new terms focusing on development plans proposed by the contractor.

The agreement still must receive approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior, under terms from when the property was conveyed to the county in 2004.

Commissioners, by a 2-1 vote, had approved Century Energy Management Company, Inc. – also known as CEMCO – to serve as concessionaire during a special meeting April 21. The company, listed as being owned by Patrick Arneault, has a mailing address of 25 Rolling Acres Road, New Cumberland.

Commissioner Tommy Ogden explained Thursday’s 3-0 vote included some updates in terms, with a particular focus on plans by Arneault to open a restaurant at the marina property.

“The contract is essentially the same,” Ogden said, noting the original hope when approving the bid by CEMCO in April was to have approval by the federal government within a couple of weeks.

The agreement stipulates, in the event CEMCO is unable to operate the proposed restaurant, to include a liquor license, within three years of the lease going into effect, the concessionaire may terminate the agreement through a 60-day written notice to the county.

Commissioner Paul Cowey expressed hope for the potential development at the marina.

“We’re really looking forward to working with CEMCO and what they want to do down there,” Cowey said.

County Administrator John Klee previously explained CEMCO’s proposals had included five- and 10-year development plans for the property.

As part of the agreement, its first term will be effective from April 21 to Dec. 20 of this year, with options to renew for five, three-year terms.

Located along state Route 2 in Newell, Kennedy Marina offers a campground and marina, with recreational vehicle sites, sewer hook ups, tent sites, seasonal boat dockage, and daily dock space, along with a concession stand, vending machines, laundry facilities, bath house camping and more.

Commissioners began searching for a new concessionaire after terminating the county’s agreement with the former concessionaire in January, citing issues with maintenance of the property and issues of non-payment.