COMMERCE BOAT RAMP PROJECT ON SCHEDULE FOR JULY

COMMERCE -- A public fishing access to the Mississippi River at Commerce is on the Missouri Department of Conservation's schedule for construction after July 1.

Recent surveying of the proposed site was reassuring for Commerce residents that construction is still planned, said Mayor Ann Huck.

"I think it's a great thing for Commerce," Huck said. "A lot of people fish from there. It will make the area a much better place to launch or dock a boat."

The department approved the access as part of a Conservation Community Assistance Program in 1991, Huck said. A formal agreement was signed with the town in early 1992 and the property along the river was purchased.

Ed Kuhlmann with the department's engineering division said the public access is in the budget for the next fiscal year. The project has been given a high priority, he said.

Frank Ryck, administrative services supervisor with the department's fisheries division, said the standard big river access would cost about $250,000 to $300,000 to build.

The area of three to four acres will have a paved entrance road, a parking lot for 20 cars and trailers, a concrete boat ramp, restrooms and dusk to dawn lights. The facilities will be accessible to the handicapped.