Times Observer file photo City of Warren map of different areas of development in the riverfront project.

The city has received permits it needs for the first phase of its project on the Allegheny River.

The overall project consists of constructing a new river access ramp for small craft and canoes/kayaks to launch on the Allegheny River, installation of a floating dock, riverfront amenities, extension of the existing walking pathway, and additional parking spaces to accommodate passenger vehicles and boat trailers.

The first phase will include the installation of a boat ramp to allow easy entry and exit to the Allegheny River. In addition, there will be a stairway and floating dock to facilitate boater and pedestrian access. Activities could be completed by mid-year.

“I just want to highlight again that the Pennsylvania DEP and the US Army Corps of engineer permits are in hand, which I think is a huge progress,” said Mayor Dave Wortman. “Regulatory uncertainty is always a thing, and those (are) two big permits to continue the project forward. I think it’s a huge win and frankly it’s a testament to, I think, the professionalism in the application itself because you know if you’re dealing in that environment.

If it’s not right it’s not going to get approved and there’s a back and forth process sometimes and it just delays things. The fact it was submitted and approved in a really timely way I think, Chad (Yurisic, city engineer) that’s a huge attaboy for everybody that participated in that part of it.”

Having the permits in hand sets the stage for Yurisic and his staff to finish behind-the-scenes work so the project can begin once final funding is secured. The only permits needed yet are local building permits and permits for electrical work, but Yurisevic said he doesn’t see those permits being a major problem.

“We’re continuing our final design,” Yurisic said. “We’re always cautious about getting too far into the final design before we have the permits in hand in case the regulatory agencies throw us a curveball and we have to redesign something. We’re currently wrapping that up. We’re wrapping up our structural and electrical designs at this point.”

A public input survey on the riverfront project wrapped up March 13. Councilwoman Danielle Flasher asked when survey results would be available and if council members would receive a copy of them. Wortman said council members will receive a copy of the results once they are aggregated. That public input will then be used to inform future phases of the project.

“That will probably generate the next steps in terms of, you know, how do we then go back because that information then needs to get back out into the public and say, ‘This is what we heard. This is what it is.’ The next steps are based on some of that. Here are the good ideas that we heard, how do we go about packaging that up into projects as part of that overarching plan for the riverfront? (That includes) everything from financing and who’s interested in different components to it,” Wortman said.

Future phases of the river project include a second phase focusing on Breezepoint Landing. The existing gazebo and restroom may be removed to allow for construction of a more user-friendly restroom and to provide space for additional amenities that will complement the boat ramp and dock as well as increase activity in the city’s downtown area. Phase three will focus on development of a walking trail which will extend eastward from the existing walkway along the Allegheny Riverfront while phase four will focus on development of city-owned property which is adjacent to the eastern end of the Transit Authority of Warren County facility.