26’, 32’ and 40’ slip lengths will be available in the marina expansion.

The width of the aisles is sized accordingly (per ASCE 50 guidelines) to accommodate boats that will be utilizing the adjacent slips. Aisle widths vary depending on the length of the adjacent slips. In accordance with ASCE 50, all aisle widths are a minimum of 1.75, the length of largest adjacent slip.

Example: Adjacent to a 32’ slip the aisle width is sized to be a minimum of 56’.

The height of canopies is sized based on slip length per ASCE 50 guidelines. For the 26’ and 32’ slips canopy heights are 12 feet minimum to the water line. For the 40’ slips the minimum clearance is 16 feet.

All finger pier widths are planned to be at a minimum the same width as the wider of the two existing finger piers, allowing accessibility to vessels from either side of the slip.

Based on the market analysis performed during this design process, and the location of the ramps being isolated from other boat and land traffic, the four ramp lanes proposed meet the needs of the future expansion.

Floating breakwaters are commonly used in coastal environments. Engineering analysis (based on ACSE 50 guidelines) has been completed and the breakwater is engineered to provide effective harbor tranquility. The floating breakwaters can also receive the fluctuating water levels.

The design does prioritize saving trees throughout the park project. However, all trees will not be saved.

NGPC added 13 RV pads at Burbach Campground in 2022 and recently received a grant to implement another 8 RV pads at Burbach Campground soon. Further RV campground expansion can happen at Burbach campground as well as Bloomfield Campground in the future.

The concept of improving the marina at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area was one of several recommendations of the Statewide Tourism and Recreational Water Access and Resource Sustainability Special Committee of the Legislature, created by LB 406 during the 2021 107^th Legislative session; (STAR WARS Committee). During the 2022 Legislative session members of the Star Wars Committee introduced LB 1023, which included committee recommendations. LB 1023 was approved by the Governor.

LB 1023 adopted the Jobs and Economic Development Initiative Act, (JEDI ACT), and the Water Recreation Act. The Water Recreation Act granted authority to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to carry out recommendations of the Star Wars Committee, which identified projects within Knox and Keith Counties of Nebraska. LB 1023 also created the Water Recreation Enhancement Fund and identified funds from the State’s Cash Reserve Fund for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to administer actions to design and construct a larger marina at Lewis and Clark SRA, thereby expanding water access and recreational opportunity.

Funds were appropriated to the Commission by LB1011 and LB1012 (107^th Session), to facilitate the Commission’s ability to achieve that objective.

Project schedule and construction for the Weigand Marina expansion is contingent upon permit approval through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.