A plan to install a boat launch on the Kenai River off Funny River Road is getting a fresh look for the first time in half a decade.
Back in 2014, a private parcel of land was donated to the state that might be suitable for such a project, but, as area state parks superintendent Jack Blackwell explains, at the time, there wasn’t enough support to go through with that plan.
“The site plan that was finalized for the River Ranch property recommends some restoration work completed along the river and basically, just status quo for managing that property; no new facilities or anything. When we finished that project in early 2016, we recongnized that there was still a need for access to the river in this area. In the last three years, we’ve been looking at potential sites and talking with the Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board about this issue.”
At the most recent KRSMA meeting, a handful of residents from Funny River showed up, and there was a split between wanting that access on the south side of the river, and those who aren’t as keen on more development. There was even disagreement about the wishes of the landowner who donated the property.
Blackwell says they hope to have a better idea of a possible location and other details next spring. He says it’s likely that if a project is developed, it would be similar in size to other state-owned boat launches on the Kenai.
“Most of our facilities are designed to accommodate 40-60 vehicles, so I think that’s probably about the size of the parking lot that we would be looking at. But I don’t think we’ll see near the amount of use at a boat launch off of Funny River like we see at the Pillars or Eagle Rock.”
Safety has been a central concern this time, on both sides of the debate. Some residents have called for the boat launch to help with potential evacuations in case of a fire. But others note that Funny River Road, which is narrow and full of tight turns and corners, isn’t a good place to encourage more traffic.
And, while plans may be under discussion, funding for the project isn't and there aren't any plans for it at this time.
KRSMA meetings are open to the public and happen the second Thursday of every month at the Kenai River Center.
