Metro
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Gleason Boat Ramp launch to close Nov. 1 for facility improvements
Metro news release: Oct. 28, 2009
Contact: Karen Kane 503-797-1942, Karen.Kane@oregonmetro.gov
The boat launch at Metro's M. James Gleason Boat Ramp will be closed Nov. 1 through Feb. 28 for the third phase of construction to rebuild the aging facility. Improvements will enhance boater safety and access to the Columbia River and help to reduce debris build-up in the boat basin as well as the impact of waves on the ramp's boarding floats.
This phase of the project includes demolishing the current launch ramp and removing the old debris and wave deflection system. Contractors will build a new ramp and install ramp boarding floats. They'll also mount the last six of 17 concrete panel sections for a system to divert waves and reduce the accumulation of debris from the river. The placement of the panel sections creates a staggered wall with openings between the sections that allows for efficient fish passage.
Artwork on the panels was funded by Metro's One Percent for Art program, which sets aside 1 percent of construction costs for acquiring and displaying art as part of a project. Northwest artist Buster Simpson's design on the panels suggests the flow of water. Brant Construction, Inc. of Vancouver, WA, was awarded the contract for this phase of the facility's improvements.
Last winter's work included a new gangway, new boarding floats for transient boaters and the first 11 panel sections in the wave and debris deflection system.
The launch ramp area will be closed throughout construction although the facility's parking area will remain open. The construction is timed to take place during the slow boating season and the Corps of Engineers in-water work period to avoid negative impacts on salmon migrations that begin in early fall and spring. Funding for this project comes from Metro, the Oregon State Marine Board and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, through federal Sport Fish Restoration funds.
Metro's M. James Gleason Boat Ramp is located at 4325 NE Marine Drive and is one of the heaviest used boating facilities in Oregon.
Metro, the regional government that serves 1.5 million people who live in the 25 cities and three counties of the Portland metropolitan area, provides planning and other services that protect the nature and livability of our region.
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