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Delaware River Boat Launch Being Rebuilt

DELAWARE RIVER — Heavy equipment sits at the banks of the Delaware River working on a boat launch that was destroyed back in 2004. Crews are starting to b...

DELAWARE RIVER -- Heavy equipment sits at the banks of the Delaware River working on a boat launch that was destroyed back in 2004.

Crews are starting to build a coffer dam to get to the bottom of the river and rebuild what Hurricane Ivan destroyed.

"That is a temporary dam that we're just placing on the bottom of the river up to above the water level. Once that's completed, we'll be able to pump the water out," said Kristy Boscheinen, special projects division chief.

Once the water is pumped out, the boat launch will begin to take shape.

"Nobody has been able to get in here for quite some time to fish and I know the anglers are very excited. It's just in time for cold-water fishing season," said park official Kathleen Sandt.

This boat launch project that includes building a coffer dam and putting crews under the water was only made possible because of a power line that was built right through the national recreation area.

The Susquehanna Roseland power line project shut down parts of the Delaware to visitors while high voltage power lines were strung across the river.

Park officials say mitigation money from that project is funding all of this.

Anglers are looking forward to the completed project.

"To have an access point in the center means that you can get onto the water quicker and you can get fishing faster which is an absolutely wonderful thing," said fishing manager Bill Broderick.

Fishing enthusiasts say this boat launch will also probably draw more people into the gap for ice fishing because it provides easier access to one of the most popular fishing spots.

Others out enjoying the view from Kittatinny Point agree.

"I think it would be good for the community and definitely bring people to nature," said Kyle Morales.

The motorized boat launch is expected to be complete in just a few weeks.

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