CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A new and improved boat ramp may be coming soon to Citrus County. 

Citrus County is actively pursuing the development of a boat ramp on the Cross Florida Barge Canal.

The goal is to give boaters easier access to the Gulf and potentially alleviate congestion at other ramps. The project, however, is facing a few challenges.

What You Need To Know

  • A project aimed at improving the boat ramp on the Cross Florida Barge Canal is being proposed by Citrus County commissioners

  • The goal is to give boaters easier access to the Gulf and potentially alleviate congestion at other ramps
  • A few challenges, however, are in the way, including funding, which took a step back after the Florida House and Senate declined the county’s funding request
  • Citrus County Commissioner Jeff Kinnard says the project is estimated to cost close to $5 million, with close to $4 million available for the project

On the waters along the Cross Florida Greenway Trail, you’ll find pristine fishing conditions and the odd boat trailer or two.

“We used to come out here and go red fishing and snook fishing right under here,” says Garrett Reese, a lifelong resident.

Reese has been fishing these waters his whole life. As a Citrus County native and avid fisherman, fishing spots don’t get any better than this.

“Crystal River is about a 20-minute ride. Boom," says Reese. "Or you can go to Cedar Key the opposite way. You hit a little bit north, you’re in with the trout. You go a little bit south towards Crystal River, those big reds and big snooks. It’s all about time for us fishermen. The quicker we can get to our spot, the quicker we can get on those fish, and the happier we are.”

There are discussions to improve the Cross Florida Bridge Canal, such as adding another ramp and improving parking for trailers. Citrus County commissioners have been talking about the idea for years. Only now, it’s gaining some traction.

“The boaters and fisherman are really the folks who are speaking up about it and going, 'It’s time we add to these facilities,'" said Citrus County Commissioner Jeff Kinnard, District 1. "The barge canal is really a natural location for it.”

The only setback, Kinnard says, is funding.

That took a step back after the Florida House and Senate declined the county’s funding request. But after hearing the voices of voters, Kinnard says the project may alleviate issues.

“Taking some of the hazards that are built into boating, putting so many boats on the river — Crystal River, Homosassa River," said Kinnard. "If we can move some of those boaters up to the barge canal out of those rivers, that really is the best scenario for everybody.”

Voters such as Reese, who says he would like to see those improvements made, specifically for those younger than him.

“Not only to get the locals out, but get new people out — kids, especially," said Reese. "Got to start them young. Start that addiction young! So if they re-did this, I know I’d be coming here a lot more.”

Ensuring the popular fishing spot thrives for future generations.

The project is estimated to cost close to $5 million. Commissioner Kinnard says the county has close to $4 million available for the project.