Right Column

SACRAMENTO--A new two-lane boat launching ramp at the Port of San Francisco’s Pier 52 will open to the public June 14 at 11 a.m.  The ramp was constructed with $2,026,000 in funding from the Department of Boating and Waterway’s local assistance grant program, and funding from the Port of San Francisco and the Coastal Conservancy.

A grand opening event will be held at the facility to announce the improvements totaling $3.5 million. Boating and Waterways Director Raynor Tsuneyoshi will speak at the event along with San Francisco elected officials.  

The design of the boat ramp added extra complexity for the engineers and contractors as it was constructed on pile columns. The columns  will  support the weight of heavy vehicles and boats on top of the soft soils and fill material found in the bay.  The ramp also features a gangway and dock that is accessible for those with disabilities.

Improvements to the facility included:

• A 40-vehicle/trailer parking area
• Barrier-free access boarding float and gangway system
• Shoreline protection
• Improvements/enhancements to public access along the shoreline with a retaining wall, paving, utilities, railing and lighting

Grant and loan applications are submitted to the Department of Boating and Waterways and funding for approved projects is derived from the taxes paid by boaters on the purchase of vessel gasoline and the repayment of principal and interest on department-made loans.

The department provides grants to a county, city, district or other public agency for the construction of small craft boating launching facilities and loans to local agencies for the construction of small craft harbors.  These grants and loans require the consent of the seven-member Boating and Waterways Commission.

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