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Instead of just enjoying great views of the lake, go use it. One of the many ways to do that is to get on the lake with a boat. As part of Project AWAYSIS the State of Iowa will complete a major renovation of the Casino Beach Marina/Storm Lake Access and Marina. In conjunction with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources the Casino Beach Marina/Storm Lake Access and Marina will upgrade their facilities and redo some of the shoreline. It will be a great place to start an excursion on the lake.

           

In conjunction with Project AWAYSIS, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has committed to an upgrade of the Casino Beach Marina facilities to accommodate more boats and more boat traffic. The IDNR, who owns Casino Beach Marina/Storm Lake Access and Marina and leases it to a private operator, have completed plans to construct all new buildings, roads, parking and lighting. The construction will begin in the fall of 2006. The beach on the east side of the northern peninsula would be expanded slightly; three fishing piers in the harbor are in the plans to accommodate those who like to fish and small modest cabins may also be built in the future.

The first step in the process, which is already complete, was to remove the island in the harbor done in the fall of 2005. Dredging of the harbor has also been completed in the summer of 2006. When completed the Marina will be an attractive new place to boat, fish, and do many other things.
           
The DNR intends to create a new ‘ state marina ’ designation. When that process is complet e, what we know as Casino Beach Marina will be renamed Storm Lake State Marina and will be the first state marina in Iowa.