The 2016 boating season just got longer -- and not in a good way -- for Branford boaters who trailer to the water. The state has just announced Branford's popular Goodsell Point state boat launch will be closed from spring to fall 2016 for needed renovations.

While that information is bound to put a cramp in some boating plans this season, news of the state Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection's (DEEP) plans to render serious upgrades to the deteriorating ramp isn't new. The state's upgrade plans for the Branford boat launch, estimated to cost $1 million, were first announced in 2014, as reported by Zip06 at http://www.zip06.com/article/20140709/NWS01/307109591/0/SEARCH

What is new is yesterday's announcement from the DEEP that the long-awaited changes will finally be getting underway in spring of 2016. Originally, the project was set to get underway in the fall of 2014 with work completed by spring 2015.

Upgrades call for replacing the wooden pier with a concrete pier and replacing the asphalt ramp with two concrete-surfaced ramps with handicap-accessible floating docks centered between them. A separate, concrete block launch for kayaks and canoes will also be incorporated into the new ramp design. A rigging area and canoe and kayak unloading area will be incorporated near the ramp. At a later date, the entrance drive and parking lot will be raised, resurfaced and marked with 57 boat trailer spaces and three car spaces.

During renovations, the DEEP recommends Branford boaters use Guilford's town boat launch at the Guilford marina, located at the end of Whitfield Street past the Guilford town docks. The DEEP also recommends the Guilford state ramp, which is smaller in size, on the East River in Guilford.

The following is the Feb. 23, 2016 press release issued by the CT DEEP:

Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that Branford River State boat launch in Branford will close this spring through fall 2016 for renovations.

"We realize that the closure will impact boating access during the summer," said Michael Payton, Supervisor of the DEEP's Navigation & Boating Infrastructure Unit. "We will make every effort to complete the work as quickly as possible and appreciate the public's patience with this process."

Alternate launch sites with access to Long Island Sound are the Guilford Town boat launch and the smaller East River State boat launch in Guilford.

Current plans for the Branford River launch are to replace the existing ramp with a grooved, concrete slab surface and concrete pavers around it to prevent erosion; and redesign and pave the turning area.  An ADA accessible, floating dock system will also be added to make launching and retrieval of boats safer and more efficient.  Parking lot improvements will be completed at a later date.

Specific closure dates and updates will be posted on the Department's state boat launch WEB site at: www.ct.gov/deep/boatlaunches

The public may also contact Mr. Payton at 860-447-4347 or mike.payton@ct.gov with any further questions.