Phase 1 approval by the state Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a key milestone in the development of the first phase of work on the Allegheny River in Warren.

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.

Permit approval means the city can finish behind-the-scenes work on the project and get moving on construction of the first phase.

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.

Judging from a recently completed public survey on riverfront development, there is a lot of interest amongst city residents about the riverfront projects that may further shape future city plans for the river. Results from those surveys will be released soon, according to Mayor Dave Wortman, and be used to help inform those future phases of work.

We hope that the public’s interest remains high as this project moves from merely being talked about to actually being built. Opening up access to the Allegheny River and correctly capitalizing on the river’s presence downtown could be a major boost to downtown. It behooves all of us to be involved in this process to make the best use of one of the city’s key resources.