November 18, 2022
Sarah Highfield
Port Commission Eliminates Boat Launch Fees at Boyer Park

Concurrent with $6 million dock project, Commission votes to eliminate boat launch fees

COLFAX – The marina at Boyer Park will reopen this spring with new aluminum and fiberglass docks – and without its boat launch fees. On Thursday, November 17, the Port of Whitman County Commission approved eliminating the marina’s boat launch fees and designating the launch as public.

Formerly, Boyer Park & Marina KOA collected $6 daily and $60 annual fees for use of the boat launch. 

“As the long-term lessee of Boyer Park & Marina, the Port of Whitman County is entrusted with maintaining and improving this community treasure for the generations to come,” said Port Commission President Kristine Meyer. “That is why the Commission is investing $6 million in replacing and repairing Boyer Park’s original docks, and why we now feel it is important to make the boat launch free for all to enjoy.”

Construction of three new aluminum and fiberglass docks is currently underway. The Port is replacing a fuel dock, finger dock and straight dock and rehabilitating four remaining docks to extend their useful life. In addition, the Port is adding a navigation light to the marina for improved nighttime boater safety and a vault toilet near the launch that will be open year-round.

Improvement of Boyer Park & Marina’s original 1975 docks has been listed in the Port’s plans for more than two decades. The project is being funded by $1 million grant from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Board and $5 million in matching funds from the Port of Whitman County.

Located on the historic Snake River 20 miles from Colfax, Boyer Park offers the only public marina in Whitman County. The 140-acre park also features a sandy swimming beach, playground, paved pedestrian and bike trail, riverfront restaurant and more.

The Port of Whitman County maintains the park as a free day-use facility on a long-term lease from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Overnight accommodations are also available through the Boyer Park KOA. They include 61 RV sites, four camping cabins, three tent sites and a four-room motel. For more information about Boyer Park & Marina, please visit the Port’s webpage or the KOA’s website.

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About the Port of Whitman County

The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.