The new McPhee marina was floated into place this week and is expected to open to the public on Saturday.
Stan Folsom, of Doc's Outdoor Sports and Recreation, was awarded the commercial marina and concessionaire permit from the U.S. Forest Service in June.
Since then, he and his crew of 20 workers and volunteers have been working to construct the floating marina, build a supply store on it, construct boat slips, and install a public ramp accessible from the McPhee dock.
"I'm loving it and am totally humbled," Folsom said. "People are really enthusiastic and came out of nowhere to offer services and help out."
The floating dock and store were assembled on the reservoir at the end of County Road 28, then pulled into position to the McPhee boat ramp on Tuesday. It is anchored by adjustable cables to six concrete blocks on the lake bed.
"I've got to give credit to this crew, my family, the community, and the forest service for their support," Folsom said. "We've been working day and night, and now we're ready to give McPhee the boost it deserves."
To start out, the marina will have 40 boat rental slips, boat rentals, a supply store, and a public dock. Next year, Folsom plans to add a restaurant, a fueling station, and additional decks for private parties.
"I'll be having a grand opening soon," Folsom said. "This is just the beginning."
Folsom owns the floating marina structure, and successfully operated a marina at Vallecito Reservoir.
Preferring the milder climate and longer boating season of McPhee, he began campaigning to relocate his marina here a year ago. This summer he opened a boat rental shop in Dolores.
In addition to the new marina, a 400-foot breakwater was also recently installed offshore of the McPhee boat ramp. The new structure was built by Circle Zebra fabricators, out of Mancos, and installed by Case Construction, of Cortez.
The $260,000 breakwater was funded by a $158,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado, Montezuma County, and the Forest Service. It creates calmer water for the marina and boat dock and is designed to adjust to varying water levels. It will be operated by the Forest Service.
The previous marina burned down in 2002, and the breakwater was destroyed. It's revival has been greatly anticipated by the community.
Luke Baxstrom, who's been helping build the marina, has already secured a rental slip for his boat.
"Since I was a kid, it's been my dream to spend my days on this lake, and now I can do it," he said. "It's a real plus for the boating community."
The marina will be open everyday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the spring, summer and fall boating season. For information on rental slips and employment opportunities, call (970) 882-2294.
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com