HARRISBURG – Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Reps. Abby Major (R-60) and Donna Oberlander (R-63) announced $100,000 was recently presented to the Allegheny River Development Corporation (ARDC) to help fund efforts to keep locks open on Armstrong County’s portion of the Allegheny River.
The funding, from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Marketing to Attract Tourists (MTAT) Program, was secured by the lawmakers. The MTAT Program provides state assistance to support and develop international tourism, sports marketing, outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.
“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,” said Pittman. “I’m happy to have been able to work with Reps. Major and Oberlander to get the ARDC needed funding to ultimately benefit recreational boaters, tourism and the region’s economy.”
“The Allegheny River plays a key role in the economy of Armstrong County and the Kiski Valley,” Major said. “I’m pleased to support this funding so that boaters will have access to the river for recreational enjoyment. As my predecessor Rep. Jeff Pyle did, I will continue to advocate to keep river access open for all.”
“As Republican chairman of the House Tourism and Economic and Recreational Development Committee, we need to keep the locks and waterways open for everyone,” said Oberlander. “The funding will be a very important component to bring in tourists for boating, visiting restaurants, shopping and other activities. The Allegheny River is the heartbeat of Armstrong County.”
Media Contacts:
Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman)
Tracy Polovick (Rep. Major)
Rick Leiner (Rep. Oberlander)