New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently announced the start of construction of a new boat launch on the Barge Canal at Cove Road in the town of Verona, to enhance fishing and boating recreational opportunities. The boat launch will connect to Oneida Lake and provide access tofishing in Oneida Lake for all visitors, including people with disabilities.
“DEC continues to invest in new facilities to provide safe and accessible experiences for anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts,” Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement. “Once complete, the Barge Canal Cove Road boat launch site will attract more visitors to enjoy boating and fishing on Oneida Lake and its tributaries, as well as those just looking for a place to experience Oneida County’s natural surroundings.”
The site will have several Americans with Disabilities Act- (ADA) compliant features. Plans include a two-lane, concrete launch ramp with floating docks, canoe/kayak launch, fishing pier, parking area with 24 car and 49 car/trailer parking spaces, including some accessible parking, and port-a-johns.
Once complete, anglers will have additional boating access to Oneida Lake, New York’s most heavily fished inland water
“The state’s Canal system is a tremendous recreational resource for boaters, paddlers, and anglers that are seeking to explore and enjoy the great outdoors of upstate New York, and DEC’s new launch on Cove Road will provide safe access on the east end of Oneida Lake,” said New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton
“Recreational boating increased on New York’s Canals this past season and through infrastructure upgrades like this new launch, we expect more and more residents and visitors to discover our waterways in 2023.”< The project is being funded with $1.6 million from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and NY Works. Under the State's Adventure NY initiative , DEC is making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active outdoor recreation.
Governor Hochul has increased the EPF from $300 to $400 million, the highest-ever level of funding in the program’s history.
