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The state is seeking comments on its plans to build a state-of-the-art boat launch to replace the aging ramp at 38 Goodsell Point Rd.
“This is still in the design phase,” said Bill Coleman, an engineer with the boating division of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Coleman said the new launch area will be larger, safer and “more user-friendly.”
The DEEP held a recent open house at the community room at the Branford fire headquarters to display sketches of the new ramps (photo) and to answer questions.
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“It will definitely be a help,” First Selectman James Cosgrove told the Eagle. “It’s a heavily-used boat launch right now. Anyone who’s launched a boat down there knows.” Here is a sketch of how the launch looks now.
State Rep. Lonnie Reed ( D‑Branford,) was involved in helping to move the project along at the state level. “I am grateful to DEEP for being so responsive to our request that the Branford Boat Launch project be fast tracked. We have been hearing from owners of crafts of every size — from kayaks to wave runners to sail boats and cabin cruisers. The ongoing deterioration of this launch has been a growing cause of concern and a public safety hazard. The new Branford Boat Launch will now be better than ever,” she said.
Cosgrove told Coleman that people are concerned that the bigger launch area might increase traffic through the neighborhoods.
Coleman said the new ramps should make it more efficient to launch boats, and there would be less traffic congestion than now when cars line up to wait their turn. “It’s definitely going to make the flow of traffic in and out better,” Coleman said.
Steve DuHamel, who is a boater and a member of the Planning and Zoning commission, attended the open house to look at the sketches and diagrams. He said the current dock is in poor condition. “It’s supposedly one of the oldest (state) boat ramps,” he said.
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.
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The new structure will have two concrete panel ramps divided by a concrete pier and floating docks. There will also be a separate kayak and canoe launch area on the east side of the ramps. The parking area will be paved and offer about 60 spaces.
Diana Stricker Photo
Michael Payton, supervisor of the DEEP’s Navigation and Boating Infrastructure Unit, said the construction date has not yet been scheduled. “We’d like to try this fall, but maybe not until next spring,” he said. He is seen here with Cosgrove.
The project, which will cost about $900,000, will be funded with federal and state money. Payton said 75 percent will come from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Commission, and 25 percent will come from the state.
The launch area and the parking lot will be higher than they are now. “It’s not going to flood anymore,” Payton said. The area will also be accessible for people with disabilities, and will include handicapped parking spaces.
Eleanor Mariani, director of DEEP’s boating division, said the state is gradually upgrading the boat launches. She said the designs for Branford have to be finalized before they apply for permits. She said if anyone wants to comment on the designs or ask questions, they may send an e‑mail to [email protected]
Charlie Davis, who lives nearby at Branford Point, said he has been launching his boat there for about 20 years. “It’s too steep and at low tide it is really bad,” he said. Davis was pleased with the designs. “They look really good,” he said.
For more information about the DEEP’s boating division, click onto the website .
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