MANATEE -- Structural problems in the concrete seawalls at the Warner's Bayou boat ramp have been discovered during renovations, and will delay the reopening of the popular boat ramp for two months, officials said Monday.

The ramp, which closed for repairs in January, is now expected to reopen in late June, they said.

The new repairs will add $106,000 to the $490,000 cost of the project, which is to be paid for out of the county Boating Improvement Fund and the West Coast Inland Navigation District, said county government spokesman Nick Azzara.

Officials noticed separation and cracking of several concrete seawall panels during de-watering in preparation for replacement of the launch ramp, said Alan Lai Hipp, Manatee County marine resources program manager.

The process exposed conditions indicating that both the launch ramp and seawall were nearing the end of their serviceable life span, Azzara said.

Sue Kinnan, who led a group of protesters who thought the original plans for the boat ramp were too elaborate, said, "I understand they have to do the work, and do it correctly."

She just hoped county officials were sticking with agreed-upon plans, noting, "The boat ramp looks a lot larger than the one that was there before."

The boat ramp, floating dock, fixed docks and 200 feet of seawall are being entirely replaced and upgraded at the boat ramp at 5900 Riverview Blvd.

Sara Kennedy, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7031. Follow her on Twitternote>