For Immediate Release

Date: June 3, 2003

Hammond Marina Ramp Ready for Salmon

For anglers seeking hungry salmon at the mouth of the Columbia each August, the boat ramp at Hammond Marina near Astoria is a convenient gateway to a popular and productive fishery. The crumbling asphalt ramp that greeted anglers in recent years has now been replaced by a new concrete ramp, which will be dedicated on Wednesday, June 11, at 1 p.m.

"This is probably the busiest boat ramp in the state during the month of August," said Ron Rhodehamel, Facilities Program Manager for the Oregon State Marine Board. "The old ramp was asphalt, it had numerous potholes and it was failing. The new ramp is concrete with heavy 'v-groove' finish for improved traction. People are really going to appreciate this launch."

The new ramp will likely be heavily tested this year. Another good salmon fishery at the mouth of the Columbia, called the Buoy 10 fishery, is expected in August and September. If previous years are an indication, a line of vehicles waiting to launch boats will begin forming at 4 a.m. and will literally stretch out of sight. Anglers heading to the ocean this summer are looking forward to one of the best ocean salmon fisheries in years, drawing even more anglers throughout the season. "This is a heavily used ramp," said Rhodehamel, "so the infrastructure needs to be good to keep traffic flowing and help people have safe, quick launches."

The renovated ramp is 136 feet long and 99.5 feet wide. It extends five feet below the zero-tide mark to be usable at nearly all tide stages throughout the year. Funding for the $184,230 project came from several sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Sport Fish Restoration Funds administered by the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife; Oregon State Marine Board funds generated by motorboat fuel tax and boat title and registration fees; and the City of Warrenton.

The project dedication will occur at the Hammond Marina boat ramp. All persons involved or otherwise interested in the project are invited to attend.