Hall County Public Works worked Thursday to install a coffer dam to prepare for construction of the new Laurel Park boat ramp.

A coffer dam is a device that pumps water out of an area of the lake to allow concrete to be poured below the water’s surface.

"The coffer dam should be in completely by (today), and they should start pumping it (today) or this weekend," said county engineer Kevin McInturff.

McInturff said the project should be complete by April or May of 2009.

"I think it’s going to be a great project," McInturff said. "It’ll be the first completed Go Fish program boat ramp in the state."

The Laurel Park ramp will be widened to four lanes and extended to 350 feet in length. It will allow boats to launch as long as Lake Lanier’s water level is at least 1,048 feet above sea level, allowing access during drought conditions.

The project also will include construction of a fishing tournament staging area, restrooms and additional parking.

Laurel Park is one of 10 megaramp sites on a bass fishing trail designed to lure large fishing tournaments to the state.

The Go Fish program is designed to promote and enhance boating and fishing tourism throughout the state. Fishing contributes approximately $1.5 billion to Georgia’s economy each year.