Environment DEC
From the December 2006 issue
DEC to Rehabilitate Freeman's Bridge Boat Launch
DEC Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan recently announced $300,000 in funding to upgrade DEC's Freeman's Bridge boat launch on the Mohawk River in the Town of Glenville, Schenectady County. This project is funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and will allow various upgrades and enhancements to the boat launch. Construction is set to begin in spring 2007.
A Popular Capital District Launch
"The Freeman's Bridge Boat Launch is one of the most popular boat launches in the Capital District, receiving heavy use by anglers and other recreational boaters," Commissioner Sheehan said. "This site has been a priority for rehabilitation for a number of years and we are pleased that the stewardship funding from the EPF fund has enabled DEC to make these necessary repairs and enhancements to the boat launch for boaters and anglers to enjoy."
In addition to the improved boat
launch, the site will also feature
new landscaping, an information
kiosk and benches
Improvements for this site include: a new concrete ramp and floating boarding docks, a newly paved parking area for 16 cars and trailers, and an additional gravel parking area for cartop boat, kayak and canoe users. These improvements will meet all current standards for boat launches under the Americans with Disabilities Act and create an improved traffic pattern for boaters to easily launch their boats, increasing access to the launch.
The Town was Involved in the Design
New landscaping, drainage improvements, a new kiosk and benches are also part of the upgrades planned for the site. The Town of Glenville Planning Board and Parks and Recreation Department were involved in DEC's design. DEC incorporated the town's suggestions into the design where possible when these suggestions were consistent with the primary use of the site as a boat launching location. Depending on spring construction conditions, the site should be ready for use by early June.
The Latest of Many Rehabilitated Launches
The Freeman's Bridge Boat Launch project is one of a number of boat launch projects that have been completed on the Mohawk River over the past few years. Last spring, much needed ramp and boarding dock upgrades were completed at the Nelliston and Amsterdam boat launches. Since 1995, the DEC has helped support 19 major boat launch rehabilitation projects totaling more than $7 million.
