South Point Launches $1.2M Riverfront Upgrade with Handicap-Accessible Boat Ramp

Village leaders aim to improve public access and amenities along the Ohio River with new seawall, parking, and ramp.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Village of South Point, Ohio is undertaking a $1.27 million project to redevelop its riverfront park, funded by a grant from the Appalachian Community Grant Program. The project includes building a new 131-foot boat ramp and seawall, as well as adding handicap-accessible parking spots and a ramp leading directly to the river's edge.

Why it matters

The riverfront improvements in South Point aim to make the area more inclusive and accessible for all residents and visitors, including those with disabilities who previously had limited access to the waterfront. The project is part of a broader $500 million statewide initiative to support development in Ohio's Appalachian communities.

The details

The riverfront redevelopment project in South Point will involve removing a large rock pile to create four handicap parking spots and a handicap-accessible ramp leading all the way down to the river. Village leaders say the new 131-foot boat ramp and seawall will greatly improve public access and amenities along the Ohio River.

  • The project already started, following a two-week delay due to weather.
  • The project must be complete by October, but crews are on schedule and expect it will be finished around the start of summer.

The players

Jeff Gaskin

The mayor of South Point, Ohio.

Appalachian Community Grant Program

A $500 million statewide program in Ohio that is providing funding for the South Point riverfront redevelopment project.

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What they’re saying

“We had some handicap accessibility before. As you can see, the big rock pile will be moved, and there'll be, I think, four handicap spots and a handicap ramp that goes all the way to the river. So, it's very important for handicap access.”

— Jeff Gaskin, Mayor (WOWK)

What’s next

The project must be completed by October, but crews are on schedule to finish the work around the start of summer.

The takeaway

This riverfront redevelopment project in South Point demonstrates how communities in Ohio's Appalachian region are using state and federal funding to improve public infrastructure and accessibility, making outdoor spaces more inclusive for all residents and visitors.