Senator Joe Pittman, along with Representatives Abby Major and Josh Bashline, announced the allocation of $200,000 in state funding to the Allegheny River Development Corporation (ARDC). This funding aims to support efforts to keep the locks open on Armstrong County’s section of the Allegheny River. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources approved this financial assistance.
Senator Pittman emphasized the importance of keeping the river locks operational: “The Allegheny River is a great resource for Armstrong County, but if the locks on the river don’t remain open, it will have a hugely negative impact on recreational opportunities and local businesses,” he stated. He expressed satisfaction in collaborating with Reps. Major and Bashline to secure necessary funds for ARDC, which will ultimately benefit recreational boaters, tourism, and the regional economy.
Representative Major highlighted the significance of river access: “The Allegheny River is a key to recreation for residents and visitors alike,” she said. She voiced her commitment to ensuring that boaters can continue enjoying the river, following in the footsteps of her predecessor Rep. Jeff Pyle by advocating for open and accessible river access.
Rep. Bashline described the broader impact of maintaining open locks: “The open locks on Armstrong County’s stretch of the Allegheny River are more than gateways for boats,” he noted. “They’re lifelines for local commerce, recreation and the heritage of a river that connects our communities.” He expressed his satisfaction with seeing this funding allocated to sustain these efforts.
