The public boat launch on the Chehalis River near Montesano is scheduled to close Sept. 6-16 to replace the existing boat ramps and begin renovating the facility owned by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Starting Aug. 30, the boat launch located one mile south of Montesano on State Road 107, will be limited to a single ramp as work gets underway on the project, which also includes installation of a new ADA loading platform, an ADA restroom and a resurfaced parking area.

Alternate boat launch areas in the vicinity include WDFW’s Fuller Bridge water access site.

Brian Mitchell, WDFW access site manager, said closing the ramp during construction is necessary to ensure public safety, but added the department is committed to installing the new ramps on schedule.

“We’re well aware that the Chehalis system is a big draw for fishing, and we want to have our new ramps up and running as soon as possible,” he said.

Mitchell said plans call for the launch to be open during the final work at the site from Sept. 19 to Oct. 31, but noted that parking likely will be restricted during that period.

The $498,000 project is funded by a Boating Facilities Program grant awarded through the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.