Proponents of improving river access in downtown Bastrop got some good news this week with the announcement that an almost $400,000 grant for a new boat ramp at Fisherman’s Park is on the way.
The $397,600 grant for Bastrop is part of approximately $2.5 million the Texas Department of Wildlife and Parks is handing out to pay for 10 boat ramp construction or repair projects across the state.
Bastrop City Manager Mike Talbot said on Monday that work has been underway for a long time to ensure Bastrop makes its way onto the project list – especially considering the current shape of the boat ramp at Fisherman’s Park.
“The ramp is in horrible condition and getting the grant is wonderful news,” Talbot said. “It is the result of a year of a lot of hard work. It will be a great benefit to the users of the Colorado River and the users of the park.”
In addition to replacing the old boat ramp, the funds are expected to cover numerous other related projects including dredging and the placement of bulkheads needed to prevent erosion. A parking area and a sidewalk will reportedly be added to make the area more hospitable for people with disabilities and additional trails will be built.
“I am extremely pleased that Bastrop has been selected for this grant,” said Bastrop Mayor Terry Orr. “It will bring a great addition to the city’s Fisherman’s Park and will be a great asset not only to the city, but to the surrounding area. It is really exciting news.”
Approval for the funding under the State Boating Access Program was made official at the Jan. 28 TPWD meeting. The program’s funds come from the federal recreational boating gasoline tax and an excise tax on fishing tackle collected under the Federal Aid to Sport Fish Recreation Act, according to the TPWD.