An improved, entry point for kayakers, canoers and floaters into the Deschutes River at Miller’s Landing in Bend took a step forward Wednesday when the Oregon State Marine Board greenlighted the project and approved some of the funds to build it.

The project will see shoreline upgrades that will improve access to the river, areas to launch nonmotorized boats and safe spots to wade into the water. A unique feature of the project is a boat launch and transfer bench that will help wheelchair users get in and out of the water.

Bend Park & Recreation District aims to improve river access along the Deschutes River in Bend to help users safely enter the water while also protecting river habitat from erosion. Several new access points were completed last year on the river in areas between Riverbend Park and the Bill Healy Bridge.

The marine board conditionally approved $300,000 in grant funds from its Waterway Access Permit Program. Since the program launched in 2020, the agency has approved around $2.7 million in grants. Funding for the project also includes a $300,000 cash match from the Visit Bend Sustainability Fund. The park district is also chipping in $95,734 to bring the total project cost to $695,734, according to project details provided by the marine board.

Serena Bishop-Gordon, Visit Bend’s sustainability director, described the funding as an exciting moment for the community.

“The Deschutes River is a cornerstone for our community and an important aspect of what people love about living in and visiting Bend,” said Bishop-Gordon. “The Miller’s Landing project balances recreation access with the protection of fragile riparian areas that are important for the health of the river.”

The current boardwalk at Miller’s Landing was installed in 2014. The existing access requires boaters to step onto uneven and jagged rocks that make getting into watercraft difficult, according to a project review published by the marine board.

“During the winter months, the distance between the boardwalk and the rocks can be as much as two feet,” according to a marine board report.

“The district heard from many community members during the river plan process that they do not use Miller’s Landing access point due to its hazardous obstacles,” according to the report.

“The Waterway Access Permit revenue is dedicated to developing non-motorized access, especially in areas where there is the greatest need,” said marine board spokesperson Ashley Massey. “Miller’s Landing was identified as a high-priority location in the community.”

The marine board is directly funded by boating registration, title and permit fees, as well as marine fuel taxes. No lottery, general fund tax dollars or local facility parking fees support the agency or its programs, said Massey.

Revenue goes back to boaters through a variety of streams, including grants for boating facility access and contracts for marine law enforcement services.

The park district also plans to improve river access at McKay and Columbia parks. According to the marine board, the construction on the Miller’s Landing project will break ground in the fall and winter months with completion projected for the summer of 2025.