𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐃𝐀 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧

The Elmore County Economic Development Authority (ECEDA) is leading the effort to expand public access at one of Lake Martin’s busiest launch points — the Kowaliga Boat Ramp.

For years, the single ramp and limited parking have struggled to meet demand, especially during peak seasons. Vehicles have frequently lined the shoulder of Kowaliga Road, creating safety concerns and highlighting the need for expanded infrastructure.

In response to continued growth in the area, ECEDA coordinated a multi-agency partnership to add a second boat ramp and significantly expand parking capacity — a move leaders say reflects the authority’s broader focus on maximizing local assets.

“We are consistently trying to determine how to best utilize our natural resources in Elmore County,” said ECEDA Chairman Art Faulkner. “This is just one of the projects that we are doing to help with that.”

That vision required collaboration and financial alignment among several partners. Through ECEDA’s coordination, what had long been discussed as a needed improvement became a fully funded plan. Russell Lands donated the property necessary for the expansion. The Elmore County Commission contributed $500,000 toward construction, and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources committed an additional $1 million.

Commission Chairman Bart Mercer said the expansion represents the culmination of years of effort and partnership.

“The Kowaliga Boat Ramp expansion project has been one that the commission has worked for many years to secure,” said Mercer. “The project will be a welcomed enhancement to northeast Elmore County and the Lake Martin area. Thank you to our partners, former Commissioner Mack Daugherty, and current Commissioner Brad Davis for their tireless efforts to get this important community project to this point.”

District 2 Commissioner Brad Davis said the investment reflects the county’s commitment to both recreation and economic growth.

“I appreciate the commission’s vision to invest funds from our quality-of-life bond to supplement the state’s investment in the Kowaliga Boat Ramp,” said Davis. “As the only ramp in Elmore County on Lake Martin with public parking capacity, these improvements will open up many more recreational and economic development opportunities for our citizens and visitors to Elmore County.”

The expansion is also expected to increase traffic in the area, prompting additional infrastructure improvements. To accommodate that growth, the Alabama Department of Transportation is partnering on roadway upgrades, including repaving, restriping, and adding turning lanes along Kowaliga Road to improve safety and traffic flow.

In a later phase, the Alabama Wildlife Federation plans to install a pavilion on site, creating a space to gather and leaving room for a future restroom facility.

For Faulkner, the project ultimately centers on improving the overall experience on Lake Martin for both visitors and residents.

“It’s not only good for those who are just coming to the lake that don’t live on it, but there are a lot of people who live on the lake who don’t have personal boat ramps at their homes,” said Faulkner. “Hopefully, this will allow them to get over there, get their boats in the water, and get back to their homes a little bit faster.”​​​