Seasonal temperatures will make way to boating season in Armstrong County in about three months, but the non-profit Allegheny River Development Corporation will most likely need more public support and funding this season (KP File Photo)

by Jonathan Weaver

While Washington D.C. is probing a major link to Armstrong County tourism, a local nonprofit is asking for public support before next weekend’s time change.

Allegheny River Development Corporation (ARDC) President Linda Hemmes was “blindsided” by the news that Washington D.C.-based nonprofit American Rivers is reviewing lock effects on Allegheny River lockages removing them.

For two years, local boaters and enthusiasts have privately funded local river recreational usage due to a lack of commercial lockages - and Hemmes warned that more local support is needed.

Usage of the four river locks - such as at Lock 7 in Kittanning - lessened by nearly four percent during the 2016 boating season, while costs also increased nearly $32,000 (KP File Photo)

Due to a reduced number of lockages, Army Corp officials in January reduced the level of service of Lock 5 in Freeport (Gilpin and South Buffalo Townships) in half - from 16 hours per day to eight hours per day year-round.

“The shift doesn’t necessarily sync up to the hours that we have (Locks 6,7,8 and 9) open – (Lock 5) is open 7AM-3PM, which doesn’t work for us because (Locks 6,7,8 and 9 on summer weekends) is open from noon-8PM,” Linda said. “So, we will be funding some hours at Lock 5 now as well.

“It’s caused a real firestorm (among Freeport boaters) and I think that’s going to help our support certainly, but I think we have to start talking about how we’re going to address this issue.”

Reduced operations also occurred at Lock 4 in Harrison Township (Allegheny County) last year.

“We have people that come from Pool 5 to spend the weekend or they go up to the cove and hang out – we have people all the way from Fox Chapel and Oakmont and Washington’s Landing, and conversely, people from up here head down to Pittsburgh,” Hemmes said. “It’s kind-of like a highway and we want to keep it open.”

To help raise money for more river usage in Freeport and show U.S Army Corps of Engineers officials that Armstrong County locks are utilized, ARDC will hold its first fundraiser of the year March 11 in Cheswick (Allegheny County).

The 3rd Annual Lock Kickoff Fundraiser at Futules’ Harmar House will begin at 5 PM next Saturday before dinner at 6PM.

Hemmes said the fundraiser (filled with auctions and raffles) will also include dancing.

“It’s been one of our biggest fundraisers every year – it’s a lot of fun,” Hemmes said. “Last year, we had probably about 250 – the first year about 400 (people).

“I think the prospects of someone trying to squeeze into town and tear the locks out may get us a big turnout.”

Tickets for the fundraiser are available on the organization’s website.

ARDC officials are scheduled to open river locks in Clinton, Kittanning, Templeton and Rimer for a four-day Memorial Day Weekend.