NELSONVILLE — The Wayne National Forest announces the Beverly, Ohio based D.J. Group has been awarded a U.S. Forest Service construction contract to build the 5-acre Frontier Boat Launch in Washington County along the Ohio River.

Funding in the amount of $2,247,055 from a Cooperative Boating Facility Grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources-Division of Watercraft is paying for the new facility.

The boat launch will be located 7 miles north of Newport and 6 miles south of New Matamoras off U.S. Hwy 7, near Frontier High School.

Features include:

Two-lane ramp with at least 70 car/trailer parking spaces.

Full compliance with the Architectural Barriers Act (Federal Version of ADA) for equal access for all users.

Will allow all users to access the river free of charge year-round.

Will provide potable drinking water and bathroom facilities as well as future plans for some picnic sites along the river bank.

Minimal lighting for 24-hour access and use.

Landscaped with native trees and grasses.

The Wayne National Forest is planning a ground-breaking ceremony for Monday, October 26th at 11am. Further details will be announced soon.

The D.J. Group plans to start construction in late October or November. Estimated completion date is fall of 2010.