Improvements in the works at Kowaliga boat ramp

The Elmore County Commission approved spending $500,000 at the Kowaliga boat ramp as part of its Quality of Life projects across the county.

It joins projects such as 17 Springs, new turf field at school campuses, a new recreation center in Tallassee, a climbing tower in Millbrook and improvements at Cooters Pond boat ramp on the Alabama River. To make those projects possible the county has partnered with public and private entities. At Kowaliga, the county is partnering with Russell Lands, the Elmore County Economic Development Authority, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Alabama Department of Transportation for a project to improve access and parking and create more boat ramps.

Former commissioner Mack Daughtery was instrumental to the project, according to Elmore County chief operations officer Richie Beyer.

“He really spearheaded all this,” Beyer said. “Steve Forehand at Russell Lands has been very helpful in the process as well.”

There are multiple phases to the project planned with different partners.

ALDOT is helping create turn lanes from Highway 63 into the parking area. The Elmore County Commission and DCNR are partnering to create better and more parking. At its Monday meeting the Elmore County Commission approved a $500,000 allocation to go along with up to $1 million from DCNR.

“The county and conservation are working alongside ALDOT to get a permit to some improvements on 63 to enhance the access,” Beyer said. “The parking is currently being designed and close to going to bid.”

DCNR has also told county officials it will help fund adding additional boat ramps at Kowaliga.

“Conversation is working with us to go ahead and get the FERC permit for the expansion to the ramp,” Beyer said. “It would take it from two to four. It is duplicating what is there on the other side of the old bridge abutment.”

The additional boat ramps would also see additional docks and piers similar to what is with the existing boat ramps. 

After that project is complete, the Alabama Wildlife Federation is wanting to help Elmore County construct a pavilion on the property.

Beyer said the additional boat ramps and pavilion are in future phases of construction. 

“We hope to see the parking and access part of the project completed in time for next summer,” Beyer said. “It is important for us because this is really the only public access to Lake Martin in Elmore County. The other is an old boat ramp at Castaway but it doesn’t have any parking.”