Renovated Claiborne Public Boat Ramp Provides Improved Access to Alabama River in Monroe County

On Friday, February 28, 2025, representatives from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and state and local officials took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the reopening of the recently renovated Claiborne Public Boat Ramp on the Alabama River in Monroe County. The boat ramp is located just off U.S. Highway 84 approximately 14 miles west of Monroeville.

The boat ramp was temporarily closed in September 2024 for a major renovation that included a new two-lane launching slab that was constructed directly into the river channel to alleviate siltation issues experienced at the previous boat ramp. Additionally, the parking lot was expanded by approximately three times its previous size to provide increased access to the Alabama River. The facility is also Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible.

"Quality access to outdoor recreation is important to all Alabamians and those who visit our great state to enjoy excellent boating and fishing," said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. "This updated facility will benefit the local community and surrounding areas by providing improved access to the Alabama River as well as supporting the state and local economies. We are grateful for the partnerships that made this project possible, and I especially thank Governor Kay Ivey for supporting our efforts throughout the state."

Sonya Stinson, Probate Judge and Chairman of the Monroe County Commission, said the newly renovated boat ramp will have a positive impact on communities in Monroe County and the surrounding areas.

"The Monroe County Commission is proud to partner with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to make significant improvements to the Claiborne Landing," Judge Stinson said. "It is vital that our residents and visitors have access to one of our county's greatest natural resources, the Alabama River. The improvements will give Monroe County a much needed economic boost."

Alabama State Senator Robert Stewart and State Representative Thomas Jackson, whose districts include Monroeville, praised the partnerships that made the Claiborne Public Boat Ramp renovation possible.

"The Claiborne Public Boat Ramp is an important asset to the people of Monroe County and south Alabama," Sen. Stewart said. "The renovation of this facility will provide better access to boating and fishing on the Alabama River for years to come. I want to thank Commissioner Blankenship and Governor Kay Ivey for their efforts to get this project completed. Projects like this show what is possible through the power of partnerships. We encourage everyone to visit the new Claiborne Public Boat Ramp and experience the excellent outdoor recreational opportunities that Monroe County has to offer."

"We extend our gratitude to Commissioner Blankenship, Governor Ivey and everyone involved in the Claiborne Public Boat Ramp renovation," said Rep. Jackson. "This project demonstrates the importance of collaboration in the effort to increase access to outdoor recreation for our community. We truly appreciate the dedication and hard work that went into this project, and look forward to this new facility benefiting Monroe County residents and visitors for years to come."

The Claiborne renovation is part of a series of boat ramp improvement projects currently in progress throughout the state. This boating access improvement project was completed through a partnership between ADCNR and Monroe County. Funding for the project was provided through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, which is supported through excise taxes on the sale of outboard motor fuel, fishing equipment and the sale of Alabama fishing licenses. Additional funding was provided by Innovate Alabama, a statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation with a mission to help businesses grow roots in Alabama. Monroe County provided the services and labor to expand the parking lot.

In addition to the Claiborne renovation, a new two-lane launching slab and 170-foot floating access pier was constructed at the Mount Vernon Public Boat Ramp in Mobile County. Mount Vernon's parking area was also expanded and a new weigh-in pavilion was constructed for fishing tournaments. The Mount Vernon project was completed through a partnership between ADCNR, the Town of Mount Vernon and Mobile County. The project was funded by ADCNR from Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funds.

The Claiborne Public Boat Ramp is free to use and is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week year-round. For more information about this and other public boating and fishing access areas provided by ADCNR, visit http://www.outdooralabama.com/freshwater-boating-access or call the Fisheries Section of ADCNR's Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division at (334) 242-3471.

ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at http://www.outdooralabama.com.