KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette The Susquehanna River can be seen from the Montgomery boat launch

A boat launch along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River at Montgomery is to be upgraded to make it accessible with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards and improved for use by boaters, anglers and river enthusiasts.

State Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport, representing the 83rd House district in Lycoming/Union counties, said the borough received $57,350 from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s (PFBC) Boating Facility Grant Program. The borough will be matching the amount using its general fund.

The planned improvements include rehabilitating the existing launch for both motorboats and non-motorized boats and asphalt patching.

“Accessibility to the river is important, and this funding will help improve the launch and boaters’ experience,” Flick said. “I am grateful to see the PFBC recognize the importance of this project and provide the necessary resources to ensure everyone’s access and safety.”

This award is the first round of grants through this program. Under this program, the PFBC provides grants for the planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on the waters of the Commonwealth.

The goal of the program is to ensure Pennsylvania’s recreational boaters have convenient and high-quality boating facilities.

Funds for this program are derived primarily from boat registration fees and state motorboat fuel taxes.

The boat launch is accessible off Second Street, Route 405 and 54, where the Little League building is located.

“There has not been maintenance on it for a while,” said Donna Miller, borough manager, who added she applied for the grant through the PFBC.

The boat ramp gets used by borough residents and others in the area but has been damaged due to flood waters, she said.

“Nothing has been put out to bid yet,” she said. For those preparing for spring fishing and boating, the launch can be used as it is now, she said.

“We are further along this year than it was last year,” she added, due to the grant.