KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Plans for a new boat ramp at Wateree River Veterans Park are moving forward after Kershaw County Council awarded a contractor a $873,597 bid.
Council Member Russell Brazell says the project aims to address residents' longstanding safety and accessibility concerns.
“From citizens, the concerns were safety and access to the river. The one ramp that we have is constantly full, especially in the summer, and [on] Sunday afternoon, it's dangerous, and we wanted access to the river,” Brazell said.
The county initially considered upgrading the ramp at Patriot’s Landing, but its plans have shifted to leave it in place while constructing a new one upstream.
At public input sessions last year, residents highlighted the need for better facilities.
Brazell detailed the design improvements, which include expanded parking, dual launching spots, and a floating dock upstream to prevent issues with trailers floating into downstream docks.
Residents like John Taylor, who often fish with his son Richard, welcome the project.
“I see future possibilities, not just for the river aspect, and the river opening but other events that me and my son like to do; we like to do magnet fishing. Last time we came, the ramp was closed, so we couldn’t get over the water," he said.
Construction is set to begin in early December, with completion expected by spring 2025.
