BETHLEHEM (April 24, 2023) – State Senator Lisa M. Boscola announced today that the PA Fish and Boat Commission awarded a $175,000 Boating Facility Grant to Northampton County for the Minsi Lake Access project, specifically for improvements to the boat launch area.
“Minsi Lake is a tremendous asset to the Slate Belt and all of Northampton County and this Boating Facility Grant will allow Northampton County to make important improvements to the boat launch on the east side of the lake,” Senator Boscola stated. “Recreational opportunities will be enhanced for Northampton County residents and visitors to the Slate Belt through this state funding.”
Northampton County will be using the grant funds to design and construct new restrooms, an improved parking area with ADA parking spaces, an ADA accessible trail connecting all the amenities, and install solar lighting to the existing parking area on the east side of the reservoir.
Northampton County’s overall project to improve Minsi Lake also includes plans to construct a pedestrian bridge across the spillway of the dam to connect the facilities on west side of the lake to those on the east side. An adaptive canoe/kayak launch exists on the east side of Minsi Lake, for which The Friends of Minsi Lake provides adaptive paddling programs for people of all abilities at this location.
Funds for the Boating Facility Grant program are derived primarily from boat registration fees, state motorboat fuels tax, restricted revenue accounts, and when available, through various Federal assistance or grant awards.
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