Rehabilitated Docks officially open to boaters at Boyer Park

COLFAX —The Port of Whitman County improved Boyer Park and Marina docks, officially opening them to boaters Thursday, May 4, after a brief closure for construction.

Funded by a $1 million grant from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Board and $5 million matching funds from the Port, the Port contracted with Northbank Civil and Marine to replace a fuel dock, finger dock, and straight dock with new aluminum and fiberglass docks and rehabilitate four remaining docks to extend their useful life.

In addition, the Port added a navigation light for improved nighttime boater safety and installed a vault toilet near the boat launch that will be open year-round.

The Port has had to modernize the marina listed in its plans for more than two decades, explained Port Commission President Karl Webber in a press release from May 4, noting that the park’s original docks were constructed in 1975 and reached the end of their useful life.

Webber stated that the recreation area is one of the only places in Whitman County to spend time by water.

“Boyer Park and Marina is critical to our quality of life and economy on the Palouse,” he said.

Webber explained that they set the plan in motion after the Port continually heard from marina customers and constituents that secure and safe docks should be the highest priority for future Port investment.

Webber stated that the modernized marina results from two decades of work by many Port Commissioners and staff, past and present.

“Our thanks go to the Recreation and Conservation Board for funding this project, our state representatives for their support, our park concessionaires for their management, and all of the marina customers for their patience during the construction period,” he said.

The Port maintains Boyer Park and Marina as a free day-use facility on a long-term lease from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The public is invited to a ribbon cutting and celebration of the marina’s completion Saturday, June 10, at 10 a.m. preceding the Port’s free annual Snake River Family Festival, at Boyer Park and Marina, 1753 Granite Road, in Colfax.