Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : June 26, 2006

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Curtis Taylor, Wildlife Resources Section Chief (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

Williamstown Courtesy Dock Completed

  A courtesy dock to serve the boat launching ramp at Williamstown on the Ohio River in Wood County has been completed, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the Division of Natural Resources. The fixed steel frame dock with a wooden deck is approximately 40' long and 8' wide. This new courtesy dock will allow boaters to access their boats safely and help prevent damage to their boats caused by the rock riprap on the river bank near the boat ramp. The $50,000 project was a cooperative effort between the City of Williamstown and the Division of Natural Resources. The Division of Natural Resources provided the funding and the City of Williamstown provided the property and also maintains the facilities.

  The Williamstown boat launching ramp provides anglers and boaters with an excellent facility for accessing the Ohio River . The new courtesy dock will complement the existing three-lane concrete boat launching ramp, restroom facilities, and paved parking area. These facilities provide anglers access to a section of the Ohio River that provides good fishing for black bass, catfish, sauger, walleye, white bass, and hybrid striped bass.

  Funding provided by the Division of Natural Resources was from revenue from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, including the conservation stamp and matching federal assistance funds from the Sport Fish Restoration Act. The federal funds originate from excise taxes paid by anglers when they purchase fishing equipment and motor boat fuel.

  “This is an excellent example of state and local governments working together to improve fishing and boating access,” said Jezioro, and we appreciate the opportunity that the city of Williamstown provided for river access improvements.

**DNR**