Highway Department Rebuilds Boat Ramp

June 28, 2018

Road Agent Ron Pelissier recently announced that the run down boat ramp at the lower end of Ferry St. had been renovated at long last. The renovation effort was completed by the able staff of the Allenstown Highway Dept. led by Foreman Marc Boisvert. Once again, residents can safely launch boats, canoes, and kayaks onto the Merrimack River and enjoy an outing on the water.

This pleasant result was the culmination of a long, almost 10-year struggle. As recently as early April 2017, the selectmen were discussing the condition of the boat ramp. In mid-April 2017, it was learned that a state grant might become available.

Michael Trainque, VP of Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, discussed the scope and cost of a renovation project at a late May selectmen's meeting. He said it might cost $21,650 for engineering design documents ONLY. When he returned in mid-July, the estimate was $30,990 for engineering services, which the town could not afford. The selectmen decided to look for other grants and also to ask the sewer commission if they could help with funding.

Nothing happened until mid-December 2017 when the selectmen voted to apply for a new federal grant that would pay for half the project cost. Allenstown was on the agency's short list but the agency might not decide until the end of 2018.

Finally, it must have been decided that, if it's going to get done, we might as well do it ourselves. The benefit was that the Highway Dept. would be deciding how to complete the project without the state or federal interference and micro-management that comes with a grant.

To provide a safe, clean area for residents, the town advises users that this is a carry in-carry out facility that is under video surveillance. Dumping trash and littering is prohibited.

What You Can Do

Take a ride down Ferry St. and check out the new boat ramp. Come back and bring your boat, kayak, canoe, or jet ski, and enjoy some boating, fishing, or exploring the river.

What You Should Not Do

Do not come flying down Ferry St. and lose control of your vehicle and crash into some rocks as the truck on the right did.