A cow walks along the bank of the Cowlitz River between Packwood and Randle in this 2015 file photo.
Lewis County anglers got good news Monday with the award of a grant to improve access to the Cowlitz River near Packwood.
The grant authorizes Lewis County to acquire and develop 1.6 acres of land upstream of the Skate Creek Road South bridge, adding parking, vault toilets and a gravel walkway to the water.
The project description notes the abundant fishing at the site.
“However, fishermen and residents wanting to access this reach of the Cowlitz are forced to park and walk along narrow high-traffic volume roads, cross guardrail, and traverse steep riprap banks to access the river,” it reads.
The funding of $227,750 was awarded from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office’s Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account. It will be matched with an equal amount from Lewis County Public Works. The project will be conducted by Public Works.
The project will add 30 parking spots and another five for vehicles with trailers.
The site is adjacent to a 3.46 acre plot that the county has already purchased.
The grant wording notes the project is expected to be completed within two years.
