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The list of state agencies supporting "Impact Warren"
continues to grow.
Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources will be contributing $100,000 which could be
used on any one of several recreation-oriented elements
of the downtown and riverfront revitalization project.
The grant is part of $17.3 million in local park,
recreation and conservation project funding announced
by Gov. Ed Rendell.
Warren Mayor Mark Phillips said the matching grant
money, which was applied for by the City of Warren,
could be used for development of an amphitheater along
the riverfront, a pedestrian bridge which would connect
the foot of Market St. with "The Point" park
area or further development of a riverwalk within the
boundaries of "Impact Warren."
Phillips said, "The flexibility associated with
this state grant is very exciting. The flexibility will
allow those connected with the project to determine
the best use of the funds."
The mayor said he will be sitting down with funding
specialist Larry Segal and others in the near future
to look at the revenue stream, what is budgeted and
determine how to spend the money "in the best interest
of Warren County."
The fact that several state agencies dealing with
different features of "Impact Warren" have now
provided funds demonstrates the broad support for the
project, said Phillips.
Phillips said, "The developers (Susquehanna Development
Group) say that the strength of 'Impact Warren' is that
it takes a number of components and combines them into
'Impact Warren,' as the name implies, as opposed to
a single use project."
The grant from DCNR, said the mayor, is the result
of a meeting State Rep. Jim Lynch arranged with DCNR
officials last fall.
State Sen. Joseph Scarnati's office also promised
to work for funding for the river walk.
After the grant announcement was made by the governor,
Scarnati said, "The energy surrounding this project
has been astounding. It's clear the development of this
area will act as a springboard to future growth throughout
the region."
Scarnati added, "This is a wonderful example of
what can be accomplished when city government leaders
work closely with state government for the betterment
of the community. This type of cooperation only proves
to be beneficial for all citizens."
I & A Construction has already offered to donate a
barge which would serve as the stage for the riverfront
amphitheater. Phillips said "Impact Warren"
would, however, be responsible for moving the barge
from Starbrick to Warren.
The site for the amphitheater has been left somewhat
flexible, said Phillips, depending to some extent on
whether PennDOT decides to build a bridge at the foot
of Market St.
The pedestrian bridge between the foot of Market St.
and "The Point," said Phillips, is part of the
plan to "link the downtown with the rest of the
fabric of Warren," including the area where the
Allegheny River and Conewango Creek meet, the YMCA,
municipal swimming facilities and War Memorial Field.
Warren City Council member David See said it is likely
the money will be used for a pedestrian bridge across
the Conewango Creek. The bridge would connect the hotel/conference
center with the pool and War Memorial Field area. With
a pedestrian bridge across the creek, See said the new
downtown parking ramp would be a surprisingly short
distance from War Memorial Field, providing additional
parking for events.
"Thank you, Mr. Governor, for your efforts in
funding 'Impact Warren'," See said.
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