Topeka ? State officials are planning about $400,000 worth of improvements at Clinton State Park and a $320,000 ramp for canoeists on the Kansas River in Lecompton.

The projects are part of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ plan for $6.8 million in improvements and maintenance statewide that lawmakers will consider when the legislative session starts next month. If approved, work on the projects will start after July 1.

The canoe ramp in Lecompton is part of a plan to make the river more accessible to canoeists, said Dick Koerth, assistant secretary for administration for Wildlife and Parks.

“We’re getting more requests, more interest in canoeing. There are people who want to start canoe rental services,” Koerth said.

Kim Newell, owner of Kansas River Canoe Co. on U.S. Highway 24-40 north of the city, says interest in canoeing on the Kaw is skyrocketing.

“One of the things that has hurt us is that there are so few places to get into the water. We are real desperate for another access point,” she said.

Newell said her 10 rental canoes were booked solid last summer, only the second summer she has been in business. The company runs trips along the river from April through October.

At Clinton Lake, Wildlife and Parks is requesting approval of several projects, Koerth said.

The projects include upgrading electrical hookups that are used by recreational vehicles, installing new toilets and lighting at the boat ramps, renovating two shower stalls and installing a new lift station to transport sewage.