Rebuild and improve the north and south boat access areas, lake manawa state park, iowa

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3 awarded the Iowa Department of Natural Resources a $1,562,570 formula grant under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) for infrastructure improvements at Lake Manawa State Park's boat access areas. The grant, obligated on January 1, 2026 with a completion deadline of December 31, 2027, funds comprehensive rehabilitation of both the North and South Boat Access Areas to enhance public recreational access and boating infrastructure.

The project encompasses parking lot resurfacing and accessibility improvements at the North Boat Access Area, including removal of existing curbing and sidewalk elements that encourage improper parking, installation of new striping and sidewalks, and ADA-compliant modifications to the boat ramp and loading dock. Additionally, two new floating docks will be installed at this location. At the South Boat Access Area, the project will remove and replace deteriorated pavement with new concrete parking lot construction. These improvements support the Sport Fish Restoration program's mandate to enhance public access to aquatic recreational resources and maintain viable sport fishery resources through quality boating infrastructure development.

The current surface of the main parking lot at the north boat access area is in good shape with some localized pavement failures, and the boat ramp does not provide ADA access to the loading dock. The sidewalk curbing encourages improper parking. The overflow parking lot pavement has more generalized pavement distress. This project will apply a resurfacing treatment to both parking lots and remove the sidewalk, center island and curbing. New striping and sidewalks will be installed as well. Two new floating docks will be added. The current surface of the parking area at the south boat access area is in poor shape. This project will remove the existing pavement of the parking lot and replace IT with new concrete pavement.