Press release
September 22, 2026
Contact: Keith Henderson, (334) 242-3471
On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, state and local leaders hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a series of major renovations to the Riverview Public Boat Ramp facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and other recently completed boat ramp improvement projects on the Black Warrior River. Riverview Landing is located at 599 7th NE Ave. in Tuscaloosa.
During the event, representatives from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), the City of Tuscaloosa and state legislators praised the investment in outdoor recreation in the region and the partnerships that made renovations to Riverview Landing, Foster’s Ferry boat ramp in Tuscaloosa County and the Moundville boat ramp possible.
“Alabama is blessed with incredible freshwater resources and deserves the best quality boating and fishing access for our outdoor recreation community,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “That’s why we are celebrating the renovations here at Riverview in Tuscaloosa as well as the recent improvements at Foster’s Ferry and Moundville. Working with our partners at the state and local level these upgrades have greatly improved the boating and angling experience for the local community and those who travel to enjoy the Black Warrior River.”
Riverview Landing temporarily closed in May 2026 for the installation of a new access pier. Additional improvements to the facility include the installation of a new launching slab in 2024 and paving of the parking area by the City of Tuscaloosa in 2025. The facility is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible.
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox highlighted the city’s partnership with ADCNR and said the updated facility will have a positive impact on the local community and surrounding areas.
“The investment in the Riverview boat ramp creates even more opportunities for our community to enjoy one of Tuscaloosa’s greatest natural resources,” Mayor Maddox said. "We’re grateful for our partnership with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and their commitment to making this public space even better.”
Kelsey Rush with Visit Tuscaloosa said the Riverview renovation provides improved access to outdoor recreation on the Black Warrior River for Tuscaloosa residents and visitors to the region.
“Tuscaloosa County’s outdoor recreation and natural resources remain one of our greatest untapped assets–not just for attracting visitors but for recruiting people to live here, too,” Rush said. “Visit Tuscaloosa is grateful to ADCNR, Innovate Alabama and the City of Tuscaloosa for investing in the Riverview boat ramp and strengthening our outdoor infrastructure along the Black Warrior River, which runs through the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa and Northport. We hope this renovation encourages even more residents and visitors, especially our anglers, to get out and enjoy everything the Black Warrior River has to offer.”
State Senator Matt Woods, Senate District 5, also welcomed the improvements to the Riverview facility.
“The improvements at the Riverview Public Boat Ramp are a great investment in public access to the Black Warrior River and in the quality of life we enjoy here in west Alabama,” said Sen. Woods. “The new access pier, launching improvements and upgraded parking will make Riverview safer and more convenient for local families, anglers and boaters. I appreciate the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the City of Tuscaloosa and everyone who helped make this project possible. Investments like this strengthen our outdoor recreation opportunities while ensuring more Alabamians can enjoy one of our area’s greatest natural resources for years to come.”
In addition to the Riverview improvements, ADCNR partnered with Tuscaloosa County to repair and repave the parking lot to correct drainage issues at the Foster’s Ferry Public Boat Ramp located approximately 10 miles southwest of Tuscaloosa. The Moundville Public Boat Ramp launching slab was also replaced. Moundville’s new launching slab was reoriented to allow for easier loading and unloading of boats. The ramp’s new position also reduces the likelihood of damage from larger vessels on the river.
State Senator Gerald Allen, Senate District 21, said the state’s boat ramp improvement projects are an investment in the future of outdoor recreation in the region.
“Seeing these three public boat ramps refurbished is something I'm truly proud of,” Sen. Allen said. “Our area is blessed with incredible natural resources, and investing in them means investing in the people who use and enjoy them every day. These improvements will provide safer, easier access for fishermen, boaters, families and outdoor enthusiasts across our region. I'm grateful to have played a small part in helping make these projects happen, and I look forward to seeing them serve our community for years to come.”
State Senator Bobby Singleton, Senate District 24, highlighted the state and local efforts to complete these projects and invited boaters and anglers to enjoy the improved access to outdoor recreation in west Alabama.
“I am thankful for the partnership between the Department of Conservation, Innovate Alabama and Tuscaloosa to bring this project together,” Sen. Singleton said. “The improvements here at Riverview Landing and other public boat ramps in west Alabama are instrumental in expanding access to outdoor recreation for the people of Senate District 24. I encourage anglers and boaters to utilize these facilities and enjoy the abundant natural resources in this beautiful part of the state.”
State Representative Bryan Brinyark, House District 16, thanked ADCNR for its work to provide quality access to boating and fishing for all Alabamians.
“As an outdoor enthusiast, I am proud to see Alabama’s continued commitment to our fishermen and boaters,” Rep. Brinyark said. “It is important that we have safe boat ramps for Alabamians to use to access our many rivers and lakes. It is clear that our Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is committed to supporting and promoting the outdoor culture that so many in our state enjoy. I commend them for their efforts and look forward to helping anyway I can.”
Funding for these projects was primarily provided through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, which is supported through excise taxes on the sale of outboard motor fuel, fishing equipment and the sale of Alabama fishing licenses. Additional funding was provided by Innovate Alabama, a statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation with a mission to help businesses grow roots in Alabama.
In recent years, ADCNR has overseen a series of boat ramp improvement projects throughout the state, including renovations to Brown’s Creek Public Boat Ramp on Lake Guntersville, Mount Vernon Public Boat Ramp in Mobile County, Billy Goat Hole Public Boat Ramp on Dauphin Island, McFarland Public Boat Ramp in Florence, McCarty’s Ferry Public Boat Ramp on the Tombigbee River in Choctaw County and many more.
For more information about these and other public boating and fishing access areas provided by ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com/freshwater-boating-access or call the Fisheries Section of ADCNR’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division at (334) 242-3471.
ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com.
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Riverview Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Major Boat Ramp Improvement Projects on the Black Warrior River
