City of Warren officials continue to mine for funding for riverfront development.

But Warren City Council twice during Monday’s meeting tabled grant proposal brought by city staff.

The first was a PennDOT multimodal transportation fund grant.

Department of Public Works Director Mike Holtz said the proposal would construct a multi-use trail along the riverfront connecting the Breeze Point Landing area to the base of Market St. along the Allegheny River. It’s estimated length is 1,200 to 1,500 feet.

He said the projected of the cost of the concrete and lighted trail is projected at $440,000 and that the grant would cover half of that total with the remainder – $220,000 – coming from the city

He told council that the grant only requires a 30 percent match but that applications are “scored more favorably” when the match is higher and also indicated that the city previously submitted this project with this program at a 30 percent match.

That was “one of the reasons we weren’t successful,” he said.

The proposed trail has been on the city’s radar for years and Councilman Phil Gilbert said he is “glad it’s back on the table.”

The total match was then called into question.

“That’s a substantial amount of money,” Councilman John Wortman said, noting that council hasn’t had any 2022 budget sessions.

Mayor Maurice Cashman said it’s an instance of approving items before approving the budget.

Holtz indicated it’s coming to council now because of an early November deadline.

Wortman said he isn’t opposed to the idea but “can’t in good conscience” allocate the funds without any budget sessions.

The first such session is Nov. 1.

City Manager Nancy Freenock said the city could submit the grant and withdraw later or could give the funds back if awarded.

It’s unlikely, staff cautioned, that the funds would be spent before 2023.

“(We) just learned about this grant 10 days ago,” she added.

The second proposal tabled on Monday was for a grant to the Fish & Boat Commission for finding for the proposed $2 million boat launch.

The city’s proposal requested $250,000 but Freenock explained that other state funding or American Rescue Plan dollars could be used as match depending on whether it’s federal or state funding that is awarded.

Council tabled this to the December meeting.

Wortman said the project is “something we should do” and said the city needs “to hammer down how it should be done.”

Gilbert voted no on both motions to table.