7/30/2007

#07–198 July 23, 2007

Wateree River boat ramp reopens after construction

The popular Wateree River boat ramp in Kershaw County reopened on July 11 after three months of construction to improve the facility. The ramp, located between Camden and Lugoff on US Highway 1 and US Highway 601, underwent much-needed repairs to elevate and improve the ramp.

The last repairs to the ramp were done in 2005, but the continuing degradation of the ramp demanded total reconstruction. The winning bid for the ramp project came in at $84,544. Phase two of the Wateree River boat ramp will consist of paving the parking area to provide for about 30 spaces.

The project was a result of legislative grants obtained by the Kershaw County Legislative Delegation of Rep. Laurie Slade Funderburk, Rep. James "Jay" Lucas, Rep. William F. "Bill" Cotty, Sen. Joel Lourie and Sen. Vincent A. Sheheen, in cooperation with funding from Kershaw County.

"The completion of the new ramp is the first step in a planned multi-phase renovation project," said Rep. Funderburk. "The delegation is committed to acquiring funds for additional improvements to the Wateree River boat ramp. Improvements to this public landing make launching and loading boats more convenient and safe for recreational boaters, anglers, hunters, and nature enthusiasts who venture onto the Wateree River."

Engineering staff with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources assisted Kershaw County in the design, obtaining construction in navigable waters permits and preparation of construction document. They also assisted the county with oversight of the construction project. Kershaw Builders of Lugoff constructed the reinforced concrete single boat ramp with a length of 241 feet, 14 feet wide and a slope of 14 feet per 100 feet.

DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people.