DAUPHIN ISLAND -- Tourists could park at the western end of Bienville Avenue, board a boat to cross the island's breach, and listen to a concert in a palm tree-lined pavilion on the beach there.

That was one of several proposals pitched to islanders Tuesday during a "Virtual Dauphin Island" presentation, part of the Town of Dauphin Island's efforts to revive the local economy after Hurricane Katrina's destruction two years ago.

Liberty Duke, a Montgomery-based economic development consultant, used digital maps and other data to show how new projects -- such as an aquarium or an entertainment pavilion -- could draw tourists and more revenue to the island.

Under one plan, the town would purchase and lease undeveloped land on the western end of the island, where Hurricane Katrina carved a breach separating the western end from the rest of the island.

A boat would ferry visitors across the breach. Booths for retailers and an entertainment pavilion would be built on the other side, Duke said.

The town would also operate a public beach on the eastern side of the breach, with parking for a fee.

"(Tourists) spend money, but they do not impact your quality," Duke said of the plan.

The "Sunset Beach" development would cost an estimated $2 million, with $300,000 for building facilities and $1.7 million for land, officials said.

Duke said it could be completed by April, before next year's tourist season.

According to Duke, other proposals include:

Purchasing land near DeSoto Avenue for outdoor recreation, such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing or hiking, for an estimated $4 million, creating public access to the bayside waterfront. That project could be ready by next fall, if funding is available.

Building an aquarium for an estimated $12 million to $15 million, possibly paid for with the help of corporate funding.

Creating a park near the entrance to Dauphin Island with benches and tables. A private landowner has agreed to lease the land for five years at no cost, with the park estimated to cost between $7,500 and $10,000, officials said.

Several of the projects have been submitted to state authorities for federal funding under the Coastal Impact Assistance Program, Duke said. Town officials are waiting for the state's decision about which plans, if any, will be funded through the program.

The town could also issue bonds to generate funding, officials said.

The island should attract visitors ages 25 to 40, especially parents, who want vacation activities beyond going to the beach, Duke said this week.

Mayor Jeff Collier said town officials will examine the costs of the projects before deciding which projects to fund.

"Maybe the town of Dauphin Island has to take a more active role in stimulating the economy, so we can get on our feet and get back to where we need to be," Collier said.

The town hired Duke, of ERIS Inc. for one-year at a cost of $125,000 to initiate new economic activity, part of the town's long-term strategic plan developed this year.

Tuesday's presentation used a Web site called Virtual Alabama, a government site developed by the state Department of Homeland Security. The site combines maps, photographs and other data with Google Earth technology.