Sustaining Lock Operations
LEADER TIMES Editorial
Leader Times
5 March 2011
One could make the argument that the rivers, like our highways, are
vital infrastructure.
Faced with serious budget cuts -- better than 50 percent -- the Army
Corps of Engineers in Pittsburgh foresees severely limiting the
operations of the locks at the dams along the county's stretch of the
Allegheny River.
The proposed cuts are based on numbers: There is more use of locks on
the lower Allegheny and on the other two major rivers of the region.
The corps' emphasis is on serving commercial traffic, and that makes
sense. Our stretch of the river is used in the main by recreational
boaters, although that has some commercial value too.
One could make the argument that the rivers, like our highways, are
vital infrastructure. Government would make no argument to restrict
usage of highways if noncommercial traffic dropped off. But apparently
river traffic is viewed much differently.
So a couple hearings were held recently -- the local one at the West
Kittanning fire hall -- so the corps could do its duty in explaining
its options.
It is at this stage that government decisions become like a runaway
train. But there were good ideas offered from the audience, and we
trust that solutions acceptable to all can be reached. Among the
suggestions:
• A toll for use of the locks, which drew little opposition.
• Privatization of lock operations.
Corps officials said they would work with groups when special events,
such as Arts on the Allegheny performances in Kittanning, are held and
therein attract more river traffic.
But here is the most salient point of the whole meeting.
Many people showed their interest in participating in a task force and
in working to find ways to fund lock operations. We believe a standing
organization, dedicated to and active in promoting river and riverside
use throughout the county, would be advantageous.
The Allegheny River, as we all know, cuts through the heart of our
county, and it is truly a unique natural resource. Yet we never seem to
organize and, more importantly, energize efforts to make the best use
of its advantages.
Residing either full-time or part-time along the river and recreating
on it -- as those who do so will attest -- is a good way to live. An
ongoing effort by a single group could and should take on that
advocacy. Both commercial and nonprofit entities, boaters and
restaurant owners, should be in that mix and every community from
Freeport to East Brady represented.
We encourage elected officials on all levels to use their visibility
and join this worthwhile effort.