WELCOME
The Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management, in partnership with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, is scheduled to begin construction of an expansion to the Bear Lake marina in late 2023. Additional boat slips, launch ramps, and an increase in depth are all anticipated for the new marina. Additional depictions of the expansion will be posted on the project site as they become available. Questions and comments are welcome and can be submitted here.
After careful evaluation, the project team has selected the West Beach North concept as the future site of marina expansion. Learn more about the selection process below.
Which sites were considered for the expansion?
Various potential sites on the lake were considered. These sites were narrowed to four for in-depth comprehensive evaluation: Rendezvous Beach, at the south end of the lake; Rainbow Cove, at the east end of the lake; West Beach North, at the west end of the lake north of the existing marina; and West Beach South, at the west end of the lake south of the existing marina. All four sites underwent an evaluation process that weighed the challenges, opportunities, and impacts associated with each site.
What criteria determines if a site is the best option to move forward with?
The West Beach North site was chosen by the Utah Department of Natural Resources and the Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management due to the low comparative environmental impact, availability of utility connections and access points, established operations and maintenance facilities, proximity to local lodging, and cost.
How will the expansion at the West Beach North site handle issues with parking?
The West Beach North site will add hundreds of parking spaces for cars and several dozen parking spaces for trailers. The exact number of spaces will be determined after design of the expansion is finalized.
How will the expansion at the West Beach North site handle issues with traffic and access to the new marina?
The Bear Lake Marina Expansion design team is currently evaluating several options for getting vehicles into the new marina as efficiently as possible.
The final access design of the marina will be incorporated into future traffic studies performed in the area by UDOT. While these studies will include close collaboration with the Bear Lake Marina Expansion design and construction team, any adjustments to US-89 and/or roads surrounding Bear Lake will ultimately be determined by UDOT.
How will the expansion at the West Beach North site handle overcrowding at the lake?
The additional boat ramp and slips will provide improved efficiency entering and exiting the lake.
We anticipate that additional capacity and improved efficiency will both reduce queue lengths entering the marina and boat congestion exiting the lake during storm events.
When will construction start? How long will it last?
Construction is anticipated to begin in the Fall of 2023 and last approximately one year. However, the schedule is subject to change based on factors such as supply chain issues, material availability, and weather. An anticipated schedule will be shared when moreinformation is known.
What type of amenities can we expect to see with the expansion?
Features that might be included in the expansion include fairways, picnic facilities, fueling stations, dry storage parking improvements, and a concessionaire building.
What types of construction impacts/disruptions can we expect to see during construction of the expansion?
The details of construction impacts are not yet known. However, workers, active construction and equipment, dust, noise, and vibration in the vicinity of the proposed marina are anticipated. We intend to keep the existing marina open and operational during construction of the new marina.
How will safety improve with the new expansion?
A key priority of the expansion is to provide boaters with quicker evacuation options in the event of sudden inclement weather and alleviate bottlenecks caused by a rush of boaters coming in or out of one marina.
How will the expansion tackle issues with launching boats in lower water levels?
The proposed marina expansion plans to have a deeper marina and boat ramp to allow launching in lower water conditions.
When can we expect to see more on the east side of Bear Lake?
Currently, there are no additional plans or funding allocated for marina facilities beyond what is being proposed with this project. Utah State Parks is developing additional camping facilities at Rainbow Cove and may make additional marine and non-marine improvements at State Park facilities on the east side of the lake in the future.
Have a question you don't see answered here? Reach out to the project team.
Thank you to all who were able to attend the public open house on Wednesday, November 16.
If you were unable to attend, view a copy of the informational boards presented here.