More Funds Flow Into Locks and Dams Operations

By Liz Hayes, Tribune Review Media Services
Wednesday, November 19, 2003

Ask, and you shall receive.

After months of lobbying for more money to operate the Allegheny River locks and dams, a local boating advocate was pleased to learn that his efforts haven't been in vain.
U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, announced Tuesday afternoon that an additional $250,000 was appropriated for operations next year.
"That's phenomenal," said Mike Ferris of Gilpin, a commercial boating captain who heads the River Navigation Coalition. "It's great news for the coalition."
Ferris said his organization, a coalition of commercial and pleasure boaters, has been urging lawmakers to find more money for the cash-strapped Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the locks and dams.

Dick Dowling, spokesman for the Corps of Engineers, previously said the corps' 2004 Allegheny River proposed budget of $4.6 million is a slight increase from this year, but it's down from the 2002 budget of $5.9 million.

Due to budget cuts and a continuous decrease in the number of commercial boats using the locks, the corps is cutting operating hours at the locks upriver from Natrona.

Ferris said although commercial traffic has decreased on the northern Allegheny River, recreational boaters still use the locks.

He said the $250,000 is welcome, but it's still much less than what's needed to operate and maintain the locks and dams, many of which he called "antiques."

"It'll help keep things going for a little bit longer," Ferris said. "But realistically, there's a lot more that's needed."

Ferris said the coalition has been asking communities along the river to support the coalition's efforts.

He said New Kensington recently joined the 30 local municipal supporters.

"The more noise we can make, the better," he said.

Liz Hayes is a reporter for the Valley News Dispatch, Tarentum.