NORWAY — The replacement of the Lake Pennesseewassee boat ramp will begin again next week after local officials became concerned about high water levels.

“There has been some hesitation but the boat ramp project is back on,” Town Manager David Holt said Monday afternoon. “It will be delayed a week while we lower the lake and round up additional materials that will be needed.”

Highway Department employees were at the ramp Monday to start the job but didn’t proceed because the water level was about 20 inches higher than normal. Officials decided to try again next week.

Highway Department employees were at the lake Monday moving a large sediment boom, which is weighed down at the bottom of the lake by chain pulleys to keep the old sediment from getting into the water. They will also install the boat ramp, said Holt.

Holt said Recreation Director Debra Partridge got the Maine Bureau of Parks and Land to donate the concrete ramps and the floats to protect the lake from silt during the project.

The concrete planks on the boat ramp have been deteriorating and drifting apart. The broken pieces that are now at the bottom of the lake will be taken out, Jim Tibbetts of the Highway Department said.

The old ramp was 20 feet wide and angled for two sides. The new ramp is two rows and about 35 to 40 long.

Holt said project costs will not be available until the crew completes the work.

Pennesseewassee Lake beside Route 118 is a popular fishing, boating and swimming area.

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