Wildlife Resources Commission to Open Renovated Boat Ramp

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Scheduled

WILLIAMSTON, N.C. (Feb. 25, 2008) – Just in time for striped bass season on the Roanoke River, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is opening a newly renovated Williamston Boating Access Area.

The revamped area features a new floating dock and ramp, as well as a new parking lot. The ramp will eventually connect to a boardwalk that runs along the river and into downtown Williamston.

“This is a great example of how we are partnering to improve access to our waters,” said Gordon Myers, deputy director of the commission. “The Roanoke River is a treasured resource, and it’s important that we work with others, such as the Town of Williamston, to provide facilities and recreational areas to the public.”

The town will maintain restrooms on the site, along with the boardwalk and several fishing piers.

After bass season ends in May, workers will complete the fixed docks and continue connecting ramps to the town’s boardwalk.  Each year, hundreds of anglers converge on the Roanoke for the annual striped bass harvest, the most popular time of use for the Williamston access area.

Through its boating access area program, the Commission’s Division of Engineering Services currently manages 206 boating access areas that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The program has helped open up boating and fishing access to many of North Carolina’s inland waters and has made improvements to hundreds of existing access sites.