OLD SHAWNEETOWN – State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) joined local leaders and others Tuesday at the Old Shawneetown Ohio River Boat Ramp for a groundbreaking ceremony announcing funds for the reconstruction of a decommissioned boat ramp.

The former boat ramp has been decommissioned for more than 15 years following natural changes to the river’s waterways.

The $800,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity was awarded July 1, 2021.

Since the announcement of the grant, the port district has undergone both the permit and surveying process for the project.

The project, which is now underway, includes elevating approximately half of the lower ramp and parking area, constructing a new boat access ramp, extending two jetties into the river to divert siltation, replacing nearly 2,000 square feet of parking lot and placing rip rap along the boat ramp area. Work is expected to be completed by late fall according to Fowler.