Residents of a city on the banks of the Missouri River now have their first public boat launch and a pedestrian bridge to help them enjoy the many recreation opportunities on the water. The City of Mandan, Mandan Parks & Recreation, and Morton County took on the challenges of limited undeveloped riverfront property, strong currents and shifting sandbars, as well as significant funding and permitting hurdles to successfully complete the upgrade. The American Public Works Association (APWA) North Dakota Chapter named the Mandan Boat Ramp and Pedestrian Bridge the Project of the Year in the transportation category.
Not Just a Simple Boat Ramp
The project site on the Missouri River required extensive permitting. The Missouri River is considered Section 10 water, and the site includes a federally constructed Section 32 riprap revetment which triggered coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and requiring a Section 404 permit and Section 408 permit coordination. Additional requirements included FEMA floodplain development permitting and a Sovereign Land Permit from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources.
In addition to extensive permitting, the primary challenge was building a durable, functional boat ramp in a stretch of the Missouri River with strong currents and a shifting riverbed. The ramp was strategically placed in a backwater eddy, reducing exposure to main channel currents and orienting it downstream. The location not only lessens current strength at the ramp but also helps prevent sediment buildup through natural turbulence, improving long-term performance and usability.
Due to the site being over 20 feet above the Missouri River’s surface, the project required a nearly 200-foot-long ramp at a 15% slope, which features two launch lanes separated by a central dock. To ensure adequate traction, especially during icy conditions, the ramp surface was designed with 3/4-inch-deep V-grooves in a herringbone pattern angled 30 degrees downstream. This design improves vehicle grip and directs runoff into centerline troughs, reducing ice formation and enhancing safety.
The Mandan Boat Ramp project was situated on property already owned by Mandan Parks & Recreation. However, the site is encumbered by restrictive covenants put in place during the construction of the nearby Grant Marsh (I- 94) bridge, to mitigate impacts from the bridge construction. The covenants limited development options and encouraged the design team to prioritize environmentally sensitive solutions. After evaluating various alternatives, the team selected TrueGrid permeable pavers – a system consisting of a thick crushed rock base topped with interlocking permeable grids. This approach achieves a natural aesthetic and provides a durable, flat surface that supports vehicle traffic while allowing stormwater to quickly infiltrate the underlying soils, reducing runoff and protecting the surrounding ecosystem.
Early in the project, AE2S conducted a thorough feasibility assessment to evaluate the site’s constraints and the potential for various boat ramp amenities. This assessment laid the groundwork for the client to pursue funding opportunities. Ultimately, the project secured a Sovereign Land grant through North Dakota Parks & Recreation, which covered half of the total cost. Mandan Parks & Recreation, the City of Mandan, and Morton County contributed the local match, forming a strong partnership to support the project’s development.
Flexibility Key to Project Development
Following funding approval, the AE2S team initiated detailed design and permitting efforts. Given the Missouri River’s complex regulatory environment, including Federal, State, and local oversight, the team anticipated the possibility of design revisions and understood that navigating the permitting process could cause delays and increase costs. This awareness guided a flexible, collaborative approach to design and compliance, helping to keep the project on track while meeting all environmental and regulatory requirements.
The completed project provides the Mandan community with long-awaited, direct access to the Missouri River, transforming an underutilized shoreline into a welcoming and functional public space. The boat ramp supports recreational boating, fishing, and watercraft use, offering residents and visitors a safe, convenient launch point within city limits. Beyond its role as a river access point, the site has become a scenic destination and gathering place for families and friends, offering views of the river and space for informal recreation. The location is already gaining popularity as a backdrop for family photos and community events.
In addition, the project includes a new pedestrian bridge that connects the Missouri River Natural Area to the south, establishing the site as a key trailhead and strengthening the community’s connection to regional trails and open spaces. Together, these elements ensure that the project will serve both practical and social needs for years to come.
