Regional riverfront plans in Tarentum, Cheswick move forward

Plans for fishing and boating access along the riverfronts in Cheswick and Tarentum just took a step forward.

Officials in both boroughs have been eyeing their riverfronts for more than a year with the goal of developing parks that could attract more recreational use that boosts local economies. But money to get those plans rolling has been hard to come by.

In January, Cheswick landed $200,000 for bathrooms and a pavilion at Rachel Carson Park along its riverfront.

Now, both communities will share a $50,000 state grant through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission that will go toward the planning of two riverfront fishing and boating access points. The boroughs will share the grant equally, each getting $25,000. The projects will be part of a larger masterplan for riverfront development.

“This is big for Cheswick,” said council President Brad Yaksich. “We’re excited to be working with the Fish and Boat Commission to improve access to the river.”

Both borough councils authorized working together to apply for the grant in December.

“Receiving this grant is a great opportunity for both Tarentum and Cheswick to open the riverfront to all residents of the community,” said Lou Ann Homa, vice president of Tarentum Council.

Funding comes from the state’s boating facility grant program.

The program provides money for planning, acquisition, development and rehabilitation of public boating facilities. The grant will help the municipalities promote water-based activities, focusing on accessibility and community engagement, Tarentum Council President Scott Dadowski said.

“It will not only allow us to enhance the beauty and functionality of our riverfronts, but also to provide our residents and visitors with new opportunities for recreation and relaxation,” he said.

State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel, announced the grant Tuesday.

Steele said the funding will lay the groundwork for a riverfront park that will make fishing and boating “more accessible for our neighbors in Cheswick and Tarentum.”

“As an advocate for outdoor recreation and conservation, I’m thankful to the commission for working with me to secure this funding, which will create more opportunities for residents and tourists to enjoy our beautiful Allegheny River,” Steele said.

What the riverfront plans will include has yet to be determined, Yaksich said. Meetings will be held in the spring and summer for community input.

“The community will be included in this plan,” Yaksich said. “We’re very, very excited.”

Yaksich said the riverfront projects also could spur growth and development in the borough.

“With the barge traffic no longer there, it will give us the opportunity to have a true riverfront park,” he said. “This will give us an opportunity that Cheswick has never had.”