nothin New Haven Independent | State Closes Branford River Boat Launch for…

State Closes Branford River Boat Launch for Renovations

DEEP Photo

UPDATE — Nearly two years after the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) sought public comments on plans to build a state-of-the art boat launch on the Branford River, the agency announced yesterday that the aging ramp will soon close for the renovations. The boat launch, which is located at 38 Goodsell Point Road, will close this spring and stay closed through the summer and fall of 2016.

We realize that the closure will impact boating access during the summer,” said Michael Payton, supervisor of the DEEP’s Navigation & Boating Infrastructure Unit. We will make every effort to complete the work as quickly as possible, and we appreciate the public’s patience with this process.”

File Photo

Payton came to Branford in June, 2014 to describe the proposed changes. He is seen here with First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove.

In an interview today with the Eagle, Payton said the parking lot improvements will not take place at this time because the construction bids greatly exceeded our budget.” He said the parking lot improvements will be the same as outlined in 2014 when the agency has the funds to complete” the job.” For the time being it will remain as is,” he said. In 2014, Deep officials said the parking area will be paved and offer about 60 spaces. 

The project, which will cost about $900,000, will be funded with federal and state money, DEEP said in 2014. Payton said 75 percent will come from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Commission, and 25 percent will come from the state.

Alternate launch sites with access to Long Island Sound are the Guilford Town boat launch and the smaller East River State boat launch in Guilford.

The DEEP owns or operates about 110 boat launches statewide, including 19 that have access to Long Island Sound. The Goodsell Point Road launch is along the Branford River and has direct access to Long Island Sound.

File Photo

New Boat Launch Sketches as of 2014.

The 2014 plans for the Branford River launch are to replace the existing ramp with a grooved, concrete slab surface and concrete pavers around it to prevent erosion; and redesign and pave the turning area. Payton said today that the launch will be shorter than originally planned and have one less floating dock section, but the ramp will still have a depth at the end of 3 feet at mean low water.” An ADA accessible, floating dock system will also be added to make launching and retrieval of boats safer and more efficient.

Specific closure dates and updates will be posted on the Department’s state boat launch website at www.ct.gov/deep/boatlaunches as soon as they are available.

The public may also contact Payton at 860 – 447-4347 or [email protected] with any further questions.
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