Photo submitted to Times Observer Leadership Warren River Landing at Warren Committee members (from left) Taffi Skopinski, Phil Gilbert, Mary Hagan, and William Bussoletti at their October meeting.

The River Landing at Warren committee has tied off all the loose lines and is ready for a formal launch.

Committee members Taffi Skopinski, Mary Hagan, William ‘Buzzy’ Bussoletti, Phil Gilbert, and Piper Van Ord are inviting the public to enjoy a kickoff event, including a brief Fundraising Kickoff Meeting, at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Conewango Club.

“The public is invited to attend the Fundraising Kickoff Meeting,” Bussoletti said. “The Conewango Club of Downtown Warren is hosting the affair. There is no admission fee. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and there will be a cash bar available as well.”

The bulk of the $450,000 estimated project cost is expected to come from transportation and economic development grants. The committee hopes to raise $20,000 locally to begin the process and cover engineering, site inspection, and permit fees.

“It’s a start-up amount,” Bussoletti said. “In the late winter, early spring, we’re going to be doing state grants.”

“The Warren Community has backed this project since the early planning phase and the goal now is to secure funding from a multitude of sources to bring this project to fruition,” he said.

The committee said their research shows an estimated 20,000 people travel down the Allegheny River past Warren each year.

“Over the last two years the River Landing at Warren Committee has held four public forum meetings to share the details of the proposed project and to invite public input,” Bussoletti said. “The project plan is designed to build a floating dock on the Allegheny River behind the Music in the Park location with the goal of attracting those many people who travel down the river each year to dock in downtown Warren at no cost to them and come into town and spend time and money in our beautiful city.”

The committee took its plan to Warren City Council and received its approval in May.

“At that meeting Council voted to approve the River Landing at Warren Project conditioned on the sponsoring group obtaining full funding,” he said. “Throughout the planning process the Floating Dock Committee has met with city staff on several occasions and has been provided with advice and guidance regarding grant applications, the permitting process and insurance requirements. Upon completion, the dock will be donated to the City of Warren which will provide as-needed maintenance, off-season storage and will develop a plan for dock security.”

“The Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry (WCCBI) is in support of the River Landing at Warren Project and will provide the 501(c)3 status whereby businesses, industry and private citizens can make a tax-free donation to the project,” Bussoletti said. “Checks can be made out to the Warren County Development Association.”

“So, go vote if you want to then stop by for a fun evening and support this exciting project,” Bussoletti said. “The RLW Committee will do a brief Power Point Presentation and answer any questions you may have.”