Construction, renovation and improvements are set for Alaska State Parks facilities across the Kenai Peninsula this year, including expansion of the parking at the Eagle Rock boat launch, construction of a boat retrieval facility and repairs from recent flooding of the Anchor River.
There are 11 projects described in a press release from the State Department of Natural Resources, all of which are set to either continue or begin construction this summer. Projects are funded from a variety of sources, including Capital Improvement Project funds, funds from the state departments of Fish and Game and Transportation and Public Facilities, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
In the Kenai River Special Management Area, work is expected to begin this spring on improvements to the parking lot and river access near the Warren Ames Memorial Bridge — previously set to begin work last year. “Design is wrapping up,” the release reads, with the installation of a new elevated walkway and paving of the parking lot expected this year.
Also in KRSMA, the expansion of the parking lot of the Eagle Rock boat launch is set to begin this year — adding “as much as 60 truck-and-trailer and 68 passenger car parking stalls. A new roadway and stairs will also connect the new and existing lots. Parking lot, river access and riverbank restoration is also set for Big Eddy and Morgan’s Landing in KRSMA.
At Old Kasilof Landing State Recreation Site, the release says construction is already underway for a boat retrieval facility. The area will also have trails and a scenic overlook, in addition to space for 47 truck-and-trailers and 12 cars. That project has been the subject of some contention in recent years and has been in development since 2011 — previously set to begin construction in 2023.
In the Anchor River Special Recreation Area, recent flooding has caused damage estimated to cost over $900,000 to repair. Funding and scheduling for the project is “unknown currently,” but armoring and slopes have failed; road, trail and parking lot embankments have eroded; and some walkways have structural damage.
Deep Creek Special Recreation Area will see improvements to its existing traffic area, including new paving and striping — for which design is “almost complete.”
Crooked Creek State Recreation Site, Anchor River Special Recreation Area and Eveline State Recreation Site will all see restroom facilities replaced with new concrete vaulted toilets.
“The public’s patience is appreciated as we work to provide outdoor recreation opportunities and improve access for all Alaskans and visitors,” the release reads. “We recognize that these projects can be inconvenient for business owners especially and we will strive to find alternative access points when needed or warranted.”
For more information, visit dnr.alaska.gov or find “Alaska State Parks” on Facebook.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
