Reclamation to modernize Kim’s Marina at Canyon Ferry Reservoir

HELENA, Mont. - The Bureau of Reclamation is launching a project to repair and modernize Kim's Marina, located on Canyon Ferry Reservoir, with the goal of enhancing recreational opportunities and creating a safe and enjoyable experience for the public. Beginning in 2027, Reclamation will upgrade the water, sewer, and electrical systems, along with designing new concessionaire facilities. These upgrades are needed to ensure public health, safety and welfare at the site.

The current concessionaire contract for Kim's Marina expires on December 31, 2026. Once the improvements are made at the concession facilities, a new concession contract will be solicited. To reduce impacts to the public during the renovation period, Reclamation is planning to provide limited services at Kim's Marina. Planned services currently include dry camping, boat launch access, and day-use access to the beach and Cave Point Bay. Temporary closures may be needed to accommodate upgrades to the site. Public notifications will be made if those closures are necessary.

No overwinter storage is allowed on site under the current concession contract, with temporary exception for mobile-home owners. All personal property owned by seasonal users within the area shown in red on the map below must be removed by December 31, 2026. After efforts are made to notify the property owners of this requirement, any property left will be considered abandoned and removed by Reclamation. Mobile-home owners are not currently subject to these removal requirements as Reclamation is actively working toward a resolution specific to their situation.

Kim's Marina, one of three marinas at Canyon Ferry Reservoir, is a major recreation destination. Visitors spent a combined 750,000 days boating, camping, fishing and enjoying the area last year. It is important that public health and safety concerns are addressed to ensure operations into the future. Concessionaires provide unique and significant services that enhance the public's recreation experience at Reclamation's facilities, and modernizing this site will help ensure those services can continue for years to come.

A Phased Approach to Modernization

To ensure clarity and transparency throughout this effort, Reclamation will carry out the Kim's Marina Rehabilitation Project in three phases. The phases are outlined below.

Phase 1 - Property Removal, Utilities, and Site Assessment

This phase focuses on removing personal property, disconnecting and shutting off all utilities, and conducting a thorough assessment of the site.

During this phase, Reclamation will host a series of public meetings to engage users and gather input on what the public would like to see at the site moving forward. The exact dates and locations will be announced later.

Interim operations will also be planned to keep the site accessible during this period.

Phase 2 - Design, Public Engagement, and Funding

This phase will include design activities, public meetings, and securing project funding.

Phase 3 - Construction and New Concessionaire Contract

The final phase will involve constructing modern facilities and soliciting competitive bids for a new concession contract. Additional information and updates on this modernization project will follow in future announcements.

A dedicated webpage is currently being developed to act as a repository for members of the public interested in Kim's Marina. In the meantime, any updates will be posted on the Montana Area Office's website, https://www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/. Any inquiries can be sent to the following email address, [email protected].