The Shelter Island Boat Launch ramp closed for construction work is expected to be completed next March, the Port of San Diego announced Friday.
From June through August, one lane of the ten-lane boat ramp will remain open for boaters, but long wait times are anticipated. The Port of San Diego encouraged boaters to use alternate launch ramps during construction.
The Shelter Island Boat Launch Facility Improvement Project began earlier this month. The grant-funded upgrade for the Shelter Island Boat Launch is the culmination of years of planning and public outreach, officials said.
“This free, public boat launch was originally constructed in the 1950s and underwent upgrades in 1976 and 2005,” Port spokeswoman Marguerite Elicone said. “Currently, it services approximately 50,000 launches per year and is believed to be the busiest boat launch in California.”
The project will make the boat launch safer and more navigable, and will require a temporary closure of the boat launch for construction, officials said. It was designed with public input and was made possible by $9.6 million in grant funding from the California Division of Boating and Waterways and the California Wildlife Conservation Board.
“The Port will be working closely with the contractor to minimize impacts of construction on the surrounding community and environment, and to minimize closure time by ensuring timely completion,” Elicone said. “Boaters are encouraged to utilize alternative boat launches.”
The ramp is believed to be one of the facilities in the state.
— City News Service
