New Marina Getting Docks

After a decade of planning digging and constructing the new marina at Fort Stevenson State Park is about ready to go But there was a time this winter when officials didn t know if there would be docks at the multi-million dollar facility The dock problem however has been solved in time for the coming busy season We took you on a tour of the new marina by water in the fall The gangways were all in and all that was left was the installation of docks to moor boats But this winter questions developed about bringing existing docks from the old marina to the new location Mike Gackle Garrison Area Investment Association It would be counterproductive for everybody with a marina and no dock system The problem was the old docks were privately owned and the operators of the marina couldn t reach a deal to get them put into the new marina That s when the Garrison Area Investment Association stepped in Dick Messerly Fort Stevenson State Park We re very pleased with this group stepping out and saying we support the park and we understand that this is an important part of the economy in Garrison GAIA is investing nearly 400-thousand dollars in 60 docks that will become home to boats of all shapes and sizes Dick Messerly Fort Stevenson State Park We will have 60 slips available for rent They will deliver them and install them They have promised us barring something unforseen they will have them installed by Memorial Day Park Manager Dick Messerly says the park plays a key role in the region s economy so it made sense for the local economic development agency to get involved Dick Messerly Fort Stevenson State Park New docks a new marina with a new walkway and everything will be a nice complement to everything that s here Everything includes a new concession business including a full kitchen and restaurant The final pieces of the cooking equipment is being installed this week Dick Messerly Fort Stevenson State Park It s a great place to sit and look at the boat or look out onto the bay or watch the seagulls sit on the docks And with a forecast of continued good water levels on Lake Sakakawea Messerly is optimistic there ll be plenty of people coming to visit the park and take advantage of the brand new marina - complete with docks At Fort Stevenson State Park Jim Olson KX News The docks should be installed by Memorial Day and Dick Messerly says there ll be a grand opening for the new marina scheduled after that