DNR improves West Lake Marina

West Lake Marina has seen several improvements this summer. The Osceola Parks and Rec Department has updated a boat dock and now the Iowa DNR has improved the boat ramp by extending it out into the water.

On the east side of West Lake Marina, the boat ramp farthest to the south was extended Friday by 24 feet to prevent boats and trailers from falling off the 10 foot drop at the end of the original concrete ramp. The northern ramp does not have a steep drop so it was left as is.

The dock was done by the Osceola Parks and Rec Department while the ramp was done by the Iowa DNR because the ramps are below the water line.

“The city maintains everything above the water. We take care of the fish and things below the water,” said Jason Kruze, Iowa DNR district engineer.

The project cost $16,539.20 and took one morning to install the ramp mats. Two mats each, 24 feet by 7 feet, were laid side by side and placed at the end of the original concrete ramp. The mats are articulating concrete blocks, made by Armorflex.

Dingman Construction, of Creston, was the contractor for this project. The funding came from the Marine fuel tax, a tax put on boat fuel to be used to maintain various aquatic interests.

According to the Legislative Service Agency, the DNR administers the MFT Fund to support and encourage recreational boating. Iowa Code section 452A.79A outlines, but does not limit, MFT funds for the following uses:

• Dredging and renovation of lakes of this state.

• Acquisition, development and maintenance of access to public boating waters.

• Development and maintenance of boating facilities and navigation aids.

• Administration, operation and maintenance of recreational boating activities of the DNR.

• Acquisition, development and maintenance of recreation facilities associated with recreational boating.