New Boat Launch Coming to Falling Creek
TL;DR: Chesterfield County Parks will build a new boat launch and parking facility at Falling Creek on the James River, replacing the current launch at Dutch Gap, with completion expected in summer 2028.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County Parks; Dominion Energy
- What: New boat ramp and parking facility at Falling Creek to replace Dutch Gap launch
- When: Projected opening summer 2028
- Where: Falling Creek on the James River, Chesterfield County
The story
Chesterfield County Parks plans to construct a new boat launch facility at Falling Creek on the James River. The project will include a new boat ramp and associated parking area to serve county residents' recreational boating needs. The facility will replace the current boat launch at Dutch Gap.
The boat launch is being funded by Dominion Energy as part of the company's Dutch Gap fly ash remediation initiative. In 2019, Virginia's General Assembly passed legislation requiring Dominion to maintain public access to the Dutch Gap area while the company excavates coal ash from storage ponds at its nearby Chesterfield Power Station. Dominion and Chesterfield County entered into a Memorandum of Understanding that same year to develop improvements to the area, with subsequent updates in 2020 and 2021. Under the MOU, Dominion has agreed to fund various improvements, including the new boat launch.
Plans have been submitted for permitting, with a projected opening in summer 2028. A site plan and layout document is available for public review on the county's website.
Key players
- Chesterfield County Parks: Project owner and operator
- Dominion Energy: Project funding provider
Key dates
- 2028-06: Projected opening of Falling Creek boat launch (summer 2028)
Why it matters: The new facility will provide improved recreational access for Chesterfield residents who use the James River for boating. The project is part of broader infrastructure commitments tied to Dominion's coal ash remediation work at its Chesterfield Power Station.
Places
- Falling Creek
- James River
- Dutch Gap Conservation Area
- Chesterfield Power Station
- Henricus Historical Park
Development timeline
- 2019Virginia General Assembly passes fly ash remediation legislation: Law requires Dominion Energy to maintain public access to Dutch Gap area while excavating coal ash from power station storage ponds [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/5536)
- 2019County and Dominion enter Memorandum of Understanding: MOU establishes framework for Dominion to fund area improvements including new boat launch [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/5536)
- 2020-2021MOU updated: Memorandum of Understanding revised to refine project scope and funding [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/5536)
- 2026Plans submitted for permitting: Falling Creek boat launch project plans submitted to county for regulatory approval [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/5536)
- 2028-06Projected boat launch opening: New Falling Creek boat ramp and parking facility anticipated to open in summer 2028 [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/5536)
Related links
- Falling Creek Boat Launch - Chesterfield County
- Water Access and Fishing - Chesterfield County
- Dutch Gap Conservation Area - Chesterfield County
- Parks and Recreation Current Projects - Chesterfield County
Read the original at Chesterfield Parks Projects →