Walter's Ferry Renovation Scheduled

Snake River boaters won't recognize it when it's finished. Construction improvements at the Walter's Ferry boat ramp are slated to begin Wednesday, April 16. The project is a coordinated effort between Idaho Fish and Game and the Owyhee County Waterways Commission. Federal Sport Fish Restoration funding will pay for the bulk of the improvements. Phase one - scheduled for completion this August - involves grading and paving the entire parking area and installing a new restroom at the site. Phase two will begin in August and includes a new, fully accessible dock, overhead lights at key locations and a wheelchair accessible boat ramp. All improvements should be concluded by the spring of 2004. Despite the construction, Fish and Game personnel are making a commitment to keep the ramp functional during much of the construction period. "However, there will be days when boaters will not be able to launch at Walter's Ferry," Fish and Game utility craftsman Dennis Hardy said. "For that reason, we'd like to encourage folks to launch at alternate sites." Other boat ramps in the area include Celebration Park, Bernard Landing and Map Rock. Increased use at Walter's Ferry played a major role in project development. "We've witnessed a considerable increase in use of the boat ramp at Walter's in the last few years," Hardy noted. "The new all-weather surface will help reduce congestion at the ramp, and allow for easier parking and vehicle movement." For more information regarding the renovation of the Walter's Ferry boat ramp, contact Hardy at 465-8465.