Armstrong County commissioners give $15,000 to keep open Allegheny River locks to recreational boaters

Armstrong County Commissioners delivered $15,000 to the Allegheny River Development Corp. toward costs of keeping locks open on summer weekends for recreational boaters.

The ARDC pays the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to open six Allegheny River locks in Armstrong and Allegheny counties on summer weekends and holidays.

Because of low commercial boat usage in the past decade, the Corps cut hours at Lock 4 Natrona and Lock 5 Schenley and closed Locks 6 through 9, from South Buffalo to Madison Township, to recreational boats. Those locks are open by appointment. The ARDC has a deal with the Corps to open the six upper river locks to recreational boating.

The nonprofit is trying to raise more than $160,000 this year to open the locks on as many summer weekends as possible, said Betty Huss, of Fawn Township, ARDC president.

“With the donation from Armstrong County, we’re looking like we’re pretty good this year,” Huss said, adding that her group still needs to raise more money.

Armstrong County’s donation is from its share of Marcellus Legacy Fund, which is distributed to counties, municipalities and state agencies from unconventional gas well impact fees.

Don Myers, an Armstrong County commissioner, said open locks are important for boat traffic that draws people to Armstrong County.

“The river is one of our best assets as far as entertainment, recreation and people visiting goes,” he said. “It’s huge for our summertime economy.”

In the long run, Myers said, he wants to see the federal government kick in some money.

Huss would like to see more boaters from communities south of Armstrong join ARDC, visit the area and support open locks on weekends.

“More boaters should visit to see the beautiful scenery of Armstrong County,” Huss said. Stretches of the upper Allegheny River are flanked by lush wooded hillsides with little to no development.

ARDC’s major fundraiser this year is the Rockin’ for Lockin’ event set for July 9 at the Lighthouse Marina in New Kensington. Last year, more than 1,000 attended, Huss said.

ARDC is working with the Corps on its summer lock schedule. Details will be posted in the upcoming month on their website and Facebook page.