BRUNSWICK -- A new public boat launch opens today after a ceremony at 1:30 p.m.

The Mere Point Boat Launch in Brunswick was under construction for two years and provides public, deep water access in northern Casco Bay. Until now, that access has been unavailable to Maine residents who did not have their own deep water frontage.

The Mere Point access site features a dual lane, 48-foot-wide boat ramp and 55 parking spaces designed for trailer rig use or single cars. Power boats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks and other watercraft can launch and retrieve boats on the ramp, which will have a central dock separating the lanes, creating a safe, efficient launching site.

Kayakers and canoeists also can use granite steps and a kayak slide to launch away from the ramp.