News Release Archive

American Falls Boat Ramp Replacement Continues

Ramp will be closed following Labor Day Weekend

Media Contact: Dave Walsh, 208-378-5026, dwalsh@usbr.gov

For Release: August 24, 2017

HEYBURN, Idaho – The Bureau of Reclamation announced today the American Falls Reservoir west-side boat ramp construction project will resume following Labor Day weekend. The ramp will be closed to the public, including all boater and angler traffic, beginning Sept. 5 and will re-open in mid-October following construction.

“Our contractors have a small window of opportunity to access a portion of the ramp,” says Upper Snake Field Office manager Ryan Newman. “The goal is to remove and replace up to 150 feet of the ramp before the water rises in mid-October.”

High water may prevent access to the entire ramp this year; therefore, only that portion of the ramp exposed near the end of irrigation season will be replaced. The remaining portion of the ramp will be replaced if reservoir levels allow ramp access. The timing of reservoir drawdown and subsequent refill is affected by late-season irrigation demand and precipitation.

The upper part of the boat ramp saw many improvements this spring. The lower parking lot and the ramp’s approach was repaved, and accessible restrooms were added.

Reclamation asks the public to respect signage and contractor barriers during the construction period.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.