New Sakonnet Harbor Boat Ramp is Open

The new boat ramp that offers public access to the water on the shore of Sakonnet Harbor in Little Compton is now open.

Officials from the state Department of Environmental Management announced on Wednesday that the ramp is now open for people to access the water for fishing, swimming, boating and hunting.

Construction began in may to replace the original structure, which was in rough shape.

The project removed the former ramp and replaced it with a new 24 foot wide ramp. The ramp was designed at a slightly higher elevation to help mitigate the accumulation of sand caused by waves and current that would carpet the old ramp and required frequent maintenance to remove.

The improvements “greatly expand access to the water and prevent drivers from getting stuck while attempting to remove their boats,” a DEM press release state. “Also, the parking area adjacent to the Haffenreffer Wildlife Refuge was improved with new guardrail and grading.”

Funding for this project was from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration program. The total cost of construction was $299,212.00.

The Sport Fish Restoration Program is a user-pay user-benefit program that is derived from taxes on motorboat fuel, fishing equipment and purchase of some boats.

The Sakonnet Point Boat Ramp project is an excellent example of how those taxes are used for public benefit to improve and increase boating access to the waters of the state. A portion of the national funding is dedicated to the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife, specifically for boating access.

This is just one more project, along with the reconstruction of the Colt State Park Fishing Pier and the Galilee Boat Ramp created as the result of partnership between DEM and The Nature Conservancy.

The collaboration works to create and improve public access sites for fishing, boating, and hunting throughout Rhode Island. A team with members from both organizations join forces frequently to plan, design and construct infrastructure that encourages Rhode Islanders and visitors to enjoy the state’s abundant natural resources.

“We’re thrilled to partner with DEM to improve fishing and boating access to the beautiful coastal waters of our state, especially in the Sakonnet, where we have been protecting open space since the 1960s,” said Terry Sullivan, state director for the Rhode Island chapter of The Nature Conservancy.

“The Town of Little Compton would like to thank RIDEM for making the new launching ramp a reality as well as The Nature Conservancy for providing technical assistance on the project, “ said Gary Materonas, Town Spokesman. “The ramp has long been used throughout the years by fishermen and recreational boaters and because of the new reconstruction will continue to do so far into the future.”