Local legislators and county officials will join employees of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources in announcing construction of a new public boat ramp on the Kentucky River at Gratz in Owen County. The ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22.

“We expect final permit approvals within the next few months and hope to begin actual ramp construction this winter,” said Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Jon Gassett. “This new boat launch ramp will provide recreational opportunity and much needed public access to this pool of the river.”

The ramp project is the result of a working partnership between the city of Gratz, Owen County Fiscal Court and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. Plans call for a 14-foot-wide ramp and a parking lot to accommodate up to 15 trucks with trailers.

The city of Gratz donated part of the land for the ramp site and the remainder was acquired from willing sellers. Seventy-five percent of the approximate $100,000 construction cost will be covered by federal Sport Fish Restoration monies. Owen County Fiscal Court will supply general maintenance.

The ceremony will take place near the intersection of Main and Harlan streets in Gratz, not far from the site of the old bridge that was removed nearly two years ago.

From Frankfort, take U.S. 127 north. Just past Monterey, turn left onto KY 355 and continue into Gratz. Take a left at KY 22 to the ceremony site.

Logo courtesy Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife