Boaters will soon have better, easier access to Wareham's Agawam Mill Pond if a state project that is currently in the permitting process is able to move forward.

Tony Stella of the Mass. Department of Fish and Game explains that the state is looking to replace the existing gravel boat launch and establish parking at the pond, the launch for which is located in the area of 2844 Cranberry Highway.

Parking is "uncontrollable at the property" in its current state, Stella says. "People park their cars with boat trailers everywhere."

In addition, vegetation has taken over the launch area.

The state is proposing to clean up the property, knock down as much vegetation as possible, establish an access way, and change the gravel boat launch to a more sturdy concrete ramp.

If all goes according to plan, the project will create 10 parking spaces for vehicles with boat trailers and six parking spaces for vehicles without trailers.

The project would also repair damage at the end of the current launch, where a deep hole has been created due to users with power boats keeping engines running while loading their vessels onto trailers.

Harbormaster Garry Buckminster spoke in favor of the project at a July 17 Conservation Commission meeting.

Buckminster, who notes that the Harbormaster Department is charged with overseeing the town's many ponds, says easier launching at the Agawam Mill Pond will benefit everybody — especially in an emergency.

"I feel it's a big win for the town," Buckminster said, adding: "It's great to see the state investing money in Wareham for public access."

The proposal was approved by the town's Conservation Commission, but additional permits are still needed.

The schedule for the project depends on state funding, but Stella says he hopes construction will begin within the next two years.