Twin Falls County officials are advancing plans to temporarily repair the motorized boat ramp at Centennial Park, aiming to restore access within a week. The infrastructure project follows the closure of the ramp on July 31 after inspectors discovered significant cracking and structural damage, as first reported by kmvt.com.
The ramp is the only public boat launch in the area, serving daily recreational users and supporting emergency Search and Rescue operations. Commissioner Suzanne Hawkins told reporters that her office secured necessary permits from the Idaho Department of Water Resources to begin work on the damaged section.
“We were able to secure permits with the Idaho Department of Water Resources to start repairing the end of the boat ramp,” Hawkins told the KMVT during a Tuesday morning meeting.
County leaders initiated repair discussions in June upon receiving notification of the structural issues. While the temporary fix is expected to be completed quickly, engineers are currently evaluating weight limitations for the restored surface to ensure public safety. The permanent solution remains scheduled for the winter months, when usage demand is lower and construction conditions are more favorable.
A timeline for the permanent repair has not yet been finalized, pending further studies and research into the long-term structural needs of the facility. Hawkins emphasized the community value of the site, noting that the park and its amenities see consistent daily use.
“It is a park that is loved and the boat ramps are used daily,” Hawkins told the KMVT.
The temporary repair aims to minimize disruption for local residents who rely on Centennial Park for water access. As streamflows decline across the region, maintaining functional infrastructure remains a priority for county administrators managing public resources along the Snake River.