For Immediate Release

Date: Friday, June 27, 2003

Marine Board Approves Broad Range of Boating Projects

Ramps, Floats and Sanitary Facilities See Major Upgrades

The Oregon State Marine Board granted nearly $2 million for boating access projects in the coming biennium. The projects, when combined with federal and local funds, will result in boating facility enhancements worth an estimated $7 million. The funding decisions were reached during the board meeting held in Newport on Wednesday, June 25.

Funding for boating access projects is significantly higher this biennium thanks in part to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Sport Fish Restoration Program funds, which are administered locally by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Nearly $1.9 million in federal Sport Fish Restoration funds were available for these projects contingent on Marine Board funds providing a minimum 25 percent state match. In addition, the Marine Board strongly encourages additional matching funds from applicants, further leveraging dollars for boating access projects.

"This is an excellent package of boating facility enhancements," said Ronald Rhodehamel, Facilities Program Manager for the Oregon State Marine Board. "Boaters will see better boat ramps, improved floats, larger parking areas and improved restrooms at many locations in the next couple years. We will come back in 2004 with even more projects, too, so this should be a very good biennium for boating related facility improvements."

Marine Board funds come from boat registration and titling fees and state motorboat fuel tax. No general fund tax dollars are used in the program. The Marine Board received additional federal funds through the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) and the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) programs. The BIG program is administered through the USFWS as authorized by the Sportfishing and Boating Partnership Act of 1998. It is funded by a federal excise tax on motorboat fuel. CVA funds are also granted to states by the USFWS with the goal of reducing boating-related sewage from entering the water.

Projects were approved for the following counties, ports or other government entities: Clackamas, Coos, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Union counties; Ports of Alsea, Astoria, Coos Bay, Coquille River, Gold Beach, Newport, Umatilla; Douglas County's Salmon Harbor; BLM in Klamath County; USFS in Deschutes, Linn and Douglas counties; Cities of West Linn and Salem; Oregon State Parks; and Metro.

Following are details on the approved projects, listed by county.

Statewide

Oregon State Parks - Boarding float replacement. The Marine Board approved a grant of $17,200 to fund replacement of docks at five park facilities: Dexter and Lowell State Recreation Sites on Dexter Reservoir; Winberry Day Use Area and Fall Creek State Recreation Site on Fall Creek Reservoir; Farewell Bend State Park on Brownlee Reservoir; and the Lower Deschutes Day Use Area and Cove Palisades State Park on Lake Billy Chinook. The floats don't meet current foam encapsulation standards, are deteriorated and need to be upgraded. The Farewell Bend project is substantially larger than the others and will result in the replacement of half of the park's 400 feet of floats. Total cost of the project is $183,800, with Sport Fish Restoration funds providing $51,600 and State Parks providing $115,000.

Clackamas

City of West Linn – Bernert Landing ramp and boarding float replacement. Marine Board approved $24,375 to replace the aging launch ramp, float and flush restroom at Bernert Landing. Full cost of the project is estimated at $115,000. The City will provide $17,500 in cash and $7,500 in-kind match. Another $73,125 will come from Sport Fish Restoration funds.

City of Oregon City - 8th Street Transient Tie-up & pump/dump. The Marine Board approved $394,000 in BIG funds to develop a new transient tie-up and pumpout/dump station at Oregon City on the Willamette River. The project will be located below 8th and Main Street just below Willamette Falls. The 330-foot float will include more than 200 feet of transient tie-up, with 60 feet for commercial tour boats, 40 feet for pumpout/dump station use, and a new fishing pier. The project was originally funded in 2001 but was withdrawn due to complications with acquiring approval for in-water work permits. Total project cost is $480,000 with the applicant providing up to $86,000 additional funds, including funds for the commercial portion of the tie-up and the fishing pier, which were not eligible for BIG Funding.

Clatsop

Port of Astoria - East Mooring Basin ramp, parking and transient tie-up. The Marine Board approved $45,000 to expand the parking, transient tie-up and boat ramp at the East Mooring Basin facility contingent on the Port providing a $5,000 cash match. This is the only ramp located in the town of Astoria and provides access to the Columbia River's very popular sturgeon and salmon fisheries. Full cost of the project is estimated at $200,000 with $150,000 coming from Sport Fish Restoration funds.

Port of Astoria - West Basin Transient Tie-up. The Marine Board approved $535,500 in BIG and CVA funds to expand the West Mooring Basin transient tie-up on the Columbia River at Astoria. This is part of a much larger $3 million project to replace existing breakwaters, relocate fuel station and tanks, install new restroom and showers, expand transient tie-up and build a new marina office. The Marine Board grants address only the transient tie-up and relocation of the pump /dump station.

Coos

Coos County - Tenmile Lake ramp and floats. Full project cost is $275,000. Marine Board approved grant for $65,000 with additional $195,000 from ODFW Sport Fish Restoration funds and remainder from applicant. Project will replace ramp and floats at Tenmile Lake Park on South Tenmile Lake.

Port of Coos Bay – Charleston Marina restroom renovation. The Marine Board approved $5,946 to renovate a flush restroom/shower building. Total cost for improvements is estimated at $11,497 with Port providing matching funds.

Port of Coquille River - Bryant Park, South Fork Coquille River gravel parking lot and vault toilet. The Marine Board approved $73,000 for construction of a gravel parking lot on Port property. The parcel requires significant work to prepare, but once completed will greatly increase parking capacity and traffic flow, while reducing traffic congestion caused by on-street parking that occurs now. The Port will purchase and install a pre-cast concrete toilet that is accessible by persons with disabilities.

Crook

Oregon State Parks - Prineville Reservoir floating restroom. The Marine Board approved a CVA grant of $90,000 to purchase and place a second floating restroom on Prineville Reservoir. The reservoir is Oregon's 12th busiest lake and upland restroom facilities are limited to only a few areas around the reservoir. This restroom will be installed between Prineville State Park and Jasper Point State Park, 3.5 miles upstream from the current floating restroom. Total cost of the project is $92,000. State Parks will provide $2,000 cash match and $9,000 in-kind match.

Curry

Port of Gold Beach – Phase 2, Port ramp and floats. Full project cost is $234,200. The Marine Board approved $52,450 to match $157,350 in Sport Fish Restoration funds. Other funds will come from the applicant and other grants. Project will reconstruct current boat ramp and boarding floats at the Port. The new project will connect into the parking area completed several years ago.

Deschutes

Deschutes County and U.S. Forest Service – Cultus Lake ramp, floats and parking improvement. Marine Board approved $177,656 to replace and expand the boat launch ramp, replace boarding floats and improve the parking and access facilities. Applicant pledged $177,657 toward project, plus $34,500 in-kind match.

Douglas

Douglas County – Chief Miwaleta Park at Galesville Reservoir. The Marine Board approved $11,475 to replace the self-adjusting boarding float system at the park. Total cost of the project is estimated at $63,000, with the county providing $17,100 in cash and $12,340 in-kind funds. Sport Fish Restoration program funds will provide $34,425 toward the project.

Salmon Harbor Marina - West Basin ramp and floats. The Marine Board approved $26,125 to reconstruct the two-lane launch ramp and boarding floats at the main ramp in the West Basin. Overall cost of the project is $175,000 with Sport Fish Restoration funding $78,375, and Salmon Harbor providing $70,500 cash match and $19,000 in-kind match.

Douglas County/USFS - Diamond Lake ramp. The Marine Board approved a $60,000 grant to Douglas County and the Umpqua National Forest to reconstruct a boat ramp at the popular south shore day-use area. This is a major access point to Diamond Lake. Total cost of the project is estimated at $120,000 with applicant providing a match of $60,000.

Jackson

Jackson County Parks – Willow Lake facility improvements. Marine Board approved $142,580 toward the $248,500 project, with $46,125 coming from Sport Fish Restoration dollars and the remainder from the applicant. Project will replace existing ramp, floats, vault toilets and will pave the gravel parking area at Willow Lake Recreation Area near Butte Falls. Current ramp will be replaced by a one-lane ramp with self-adjusting floats to better accommodate fluctuating reservoir levels. A new flush restroom will be installed and the parking lot will be widened for additional parking and improved circulation pattern.

Jackson County Parks – Takelma Park facility improvements. Marine Board approved $22,000 to install a double vault toilet that will improve sanitation at this popular fishing access point. Applicant will provide $5,000 toward the $27,000 project.

Jefferson

Oregon State Parks - Lake Billy Chinook floating restroom. The Marine Board approved a CVA grant of $90,000 to purchase and place a second floating restroom on Lake Billy Chinook. The geography of the lake makes shore-side placement of restrooms very difficult. This floating restroom will be moored near "The Island" on the Deschutes River arm, a very popular boating area lacking nearby landside sanitation facilities. The first floating restroom receives heavy use and is located near the dam in "Big Cove." Total cost of the project is $92,000. State Parks will provide $2,000 cash match and $9,000 in-kind match.

Klamath

Klamath County & BLM – Topsy Recreation Site, John C. Boyle Reservoir. The Marine Board approved a grant of $13,750 to reconstruct the boat ramp at Topsy Recreation Site. The ramp will be extended to serve boaters during low-water periods. The full project cost is estimated at $27,500, with $13,500 in cash and $5,500 of in-kind donations coming from BLM.

Klamath County Parks – Petric Park ramp and boarding floats. The Marine Board approved $18,250 to replace the ramp and floats at Petric Park on the Wood River. This is the only motorboat access to the Wood River. The ramp and floats are in poor condition and do not meet ADA standards. An additional $54,750 in Sport Fish Restoration funds and an in-kind match of $6,050 from the applicant will complete the $73,000 project cost.

Klamath County Parks – Eagle Ridge Park ramp extension. The Marine Board approved $7,500 to extend the launch ramp at Eagle Ridge Park on Upper Klamath Lake. Recent low-water requires that the ramp, which is in otherwise good condition, be extended to provide better access. An additional $22,500 in Sport Fish Restoration funds and $3,550 of in-kind match from the applicant will complete the $30,000 project.

Klamath County Parks – Wocus Bay Facility Improvements. The Marine Board approved $80,750 to replace the ramp, floats and debris boom, and install a new vault toilet and pave the gravel parking lot at Wocus Bay on Upper Klamath Lake. The existing ramp and floats are in poor condition and the debris boom does not provide adequate protection from waves and debris. The parking lot project will maximize the available space. Full cost of the project is $167,000. Sport Fish Restoration will fund $86,250 and applicant in-kind match of $10,150 will complete the project.

Klamath County Parks – Henzel Park Ramp & Boarding Floats. The Marine Board approved $18,750 to replace the ramp and floats at Henzel Park on Agency Lake. Ramp and floats are in poor condition and need replacing. The ramp will also be extended to function better during low water conditions. Full project cost is $75,000, with $56,250 coming from Sport Fish Restoration funds and $6,550 in-kind match from the applicant.

Lane

Port of Siuslaw - Pumpout/dump station. Marine Board approved $20,000 to install a new pumpout/dump station, replacing old equipment that was in poor condition.

Lane County Parks Department - Munsel Lake Landing vault toilet and kiosk. The Marine Board approved $17,308 to finish facility renovation that began in 2000. The project includes purchase of a pre-cast concrete toilet and a boating information and regulation sign board. The county will provide $2,650 in-kind match toward the project.

Lane County Parks Department - Perkins Peninsula Park launch ramp, boarding and transient floats at Fern Ridge Reservoir. The Marine Board approved $48,212 toward the $192,845 project to replace the 30-year-old facility's ramp, wood gangway, transient and boarding floats. Another $144,633 in Sport Fish Restoration funds will be sought by the applicant to cover remaining costs. County will provide $35,000 of in-kind match.

Lincoln

Lincoln County – Strome Park facility improvements. The Marine Board approved $69,625 to replace asphalt ramp with a new concrete ramp and pave the parking lot at Strome Park on the lower Siletz River. The existing ramp is narrow and short and in poor condition. The new parking area will have designated parking spaces and will maximize vehicle use and improve the circulation pattern and access to the ramp. Project cost is estimated at $147,500, with $60,625 coming from Sport Fish Restoration funds, $17,500 cash for construction and $20,350 in-kind match from the county.

Port of Alsea - Parking lot repairs. The Marine Board approved $47,000 to repair sink-holes forming in the boat trailer parking area near the Port of Alsea boat ramp. Funds will be used to excavate the area, provide a stable rock base and repave it. Port will provide $600 in-kind match.

Port of Alsea - Debris boom repair. The Marine Board approved $10,000 to repair the debris boom protecting the mooring float, crabbing dock and boarding floats at the boat ramp.

Port of Newport - Newport Marina ramp reconstruction and boarding floats. The Marine Board approved $70,795 to replace the ramp and boarding floats at the Newport Marina and RV Park on Yaquina Bay. Total cost of the project is $333,820, with $212,925 coming from Sport Fish Restoration funds. The Port will provide $50,100 matching funds and $3,690 of in-kind funds. This facility provides access to popular coastal fisheries and is the 24th most-used waterbody in the state.

Linn

Linn County - Gedney Creek Ramp Improvements. The Marine Board approved $32,500 to replace the Gedney Creek launch ramp at Foster Reservoir. The current ramp and floats are deteriorating and the ramp slope is too flat for many users. The new two-lane ramp will use a standard 14 percent grade and will be more protected from waves by the new boarding floats. Total cost of the project is $210,000. Linn County has pledged $80,000 cash for construction and $2,000 in-kind match, with $97,500 coming from Sport Fish Restoration funds.

Linn County/U.S. Forest Service –Southshore boat ramp, floats and parking at Detroit Lake. The Marine Board approved a $106,418 grant to Linn County and the U.S. Forest Service to replace the Southshore Ramp gravel boat ramp and pave the adjacent parking area on the south shore at Detroit Lake. The Forest Service has already installed a vault toilet and 80 feet of transient floats in preparation for future improvements.

Malheur

Ontario State Park - Boat ramp and boarding floats. The Marine Board approved a grant of $21,625 to the State Parks and Recreation Dept. for a boat ramp and boarding float at Ontario State Park. The project includes reconstructing the ramp, replacing the boarding floats and restoring the adjacent river bank that is laden with concrete construction debris. This is the only launch ramp on the Oregon side of the Snake River for 20 miles upstream or downstream. Estimated construction cost is $109,500, with $64,875 coming from Sport Fish Restoration funds, and $23,000 cash and $22,000 in-kind match from the Parks Department.

Marion

Champoeg State Park - Vault toilet. The Marine Board approved a grant of $31,500 to install a vault toilet near the transient tie-up float at Champoeg State Heritage Area on the Willamette River. Total project cost is $39,100, with State Parks providing $7,600 cash and $7,700 in-kind match. The Board will provide $26,250 in federal BIG funds and $5,250 in Marine Board funds.

Morrow

Irrigon Park & Recreation District - Irrigon Marina pumpout replacement. The Marine Board approved $44,000 of Clean Vessel Act funds to replace an old diaphragm-type pumpout at the marina. The new pumpout will be relocated to provide better access to boaters.

Multnomah

Metro Regional Parks and Greenspaces – M. James Gleason Boat Ramp. The Marine Board approved $61,000 to begin reconstruction of the Gleason boat ramp. The project will cost an estimated $325,000 and will use $182,750 Sport Fish Restoration funds, $81,250 in Metro funds and $7,500 in-kind match. The overall project will be completed in several phases. This phase will relocate the access road to improve safety entering and exiting the facility and will improve traffic circulation in the parking area.

Metro Regional Parks and Greenspaces – M. James Gleason pumpout replacement. Marine Board approved a $35,000 Clean Vessel Act project to replace pumpout.

Metro Regional Parks and Greenspaces – Chinook Landing pumpout replacement. Marine Board approved a $35,000 Clean Vessel Act project to replace pumpout.

Oregon State Parks - Bartlett Landing Transient Tie-up on Government Island. The Marine Board approved a $435,000 in Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program funds to Oregon State Parks to replace and expand the transient tie-up facility located at Bartlett Landing on Government Island in the Columbia River. The project includes breakwater floats, elevated walkways, an 80-foot accessible gangway and a debris deflection boom.

Oregon State Parks - Sandy Beach State Park composting toilet. The Marine Board approved a grant of $70,000 to install a composting toilet at Sandy Beach on Government Island in the Columbia River near Portland. Sandy Beach is a popular boat-in camping and day-use site that currently has no floats or sanitation facilities. Total estimated cost of the project is $99,000, with State Parks providing $5,000 in cash and $24,000 in labor, materials and project administration. The Marine Board $70,000 grant is $56,250 federal BIG Program funds and $13,750 Marine Board funds.

Umatilla

Port of Umatilla - Fuel station walkway replacement. The Marine Board approved $11,000 to replace the aging timber walkway and pier that leads to the fuel station at the Port of Umatilla. The Port will provide an $11,000 cash match to fund the $22,000 project.

Union

Union County - Pilcher Creek ramp and floats. The Marine Board approved a $26,700 grant to Union County to construct a low-water access ramp and boarding float at Pilcher Creek Reservoir located mid-way between LaGrande and Baker City. The existing boarding floats are deteriorated, and the reservoir is frequently drawn down below the current ramp level. Total construction cost is $126,800, with Union County providing $20,000 cash and $1,200 in-kind match. Sport Fish Restoration will provide an additional $80,100.

Wasco

Port of The Dalles - Transient Tie-up and pump/dump. The Marine Board approved $286,000 in BIG and CVA funds to construct a transient tie-up float at the Port of The Dalles, reconfigure a portion of the marina to better accommodate transient tie-up spaces, and replace and relocate the pumpout/dump station. Total cost of the project is $590,700.

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