New Boat Launch in Westport, Oregon

Clatsop County, Oregon, cut the ribbon on a new boat launch facility in Westport earlier this year. The boat launch is located on the Westport Slough, providing entry to the Columbia River. Along with a boat launch and floating dock, the project included a paved parking lot with 33 car spaces and 46 vehicle-trailer spaces. The project’s inception dates back to 2004. Shortly after, site clean-up measures were performed to address diesel contamination from earlier mill activity at the site. The project is funded by nearly $1.4 million from the Oregon State Marine Board, and $1 million from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. According to the Clatsop County website, the Marine Board funding was made possible by the Boating Facility Grant Program, which invests fees and taxes from motorized boaters, and the Waterway Access Grant Program, which invests permit fees from 10-foot-and-longer non-motorized vessels, in cooperation with the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant Program. The Columbia River Yacht Club also made a $5,000 contribution. The County also has plans for a second phase of the project which will include a picnic area and playground.