SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WJPF) — Nearly $460,000 in state funding is being allocated for boat access areas in southern Illinois.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, The Boat Access Area Development Program provides financial assistance to local governments for the purchase, construction, and expansion or rehabilitation of public boat and canoe access areas on Illinois’ lakes and rivers. The program provides up to 100% of approved project construction costs and 90% of approved land acquisition costs. There is a limit of $200,000 per project per year.
City of Carbondale – Cedar Lake Boat Launch
This project will receive $120,000 to construct a new accessible floating dock on the north side of the existing boat launch; install a small removable floating dock for canoe and kayak use; remove the current restroom facilities and install new accessible facilities at the parking lot level. The project will also construct a picnic pavilion to serve as a location for weigh-ins during fishing tournaments.
City of Chester – Water Street Boat Launch Improvements
The project will receive $197,200 for the addition of a concrete parking lot to the existing Water Street public boat launch accommodating eight parking spaces.
City of Golconda – Golconda Boat Ramp Development
This project will receive $142,100 to redevelop an existing boat launch area, including upgrades that will help attract local and out-of-town boaters. The improvements will include an extension of the boat launch area, parking areas, a second concrete ramp, a wheelchair ramp with accessible dock, a fishing pier/floating dock, new lighting, erosion control, new picnic area, and landscaping. The development will improve ease-of- access for boat traffic and will also allow ample parking spaces for kayak, canoe, and non-towing traffic. In addition, the new floating dock an improved area for fishing.
Revenue for this program is derived from marine motor fuel tax and boat and canoe registration fees.
