Photo provided to the Times Observer A schematic of the Warren Riverfront Redevelopment Project that was filed with the Pennsylvania Wilds Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant is pictured.

A mussel study could impact the scope of the proposed boat launch on the riverfront in downtown Warren.

Warren City Council heard an update on the project during Monday’s meeting and the mussel study featured prominently in that update.

City Engineer Darren Pike said the study of mussels in the Allegheny River in the project area was completed late last month.

While a report of that study has not yet been returned and is expected in the coming weeks, Pike said he is hearing that endangered species were observed.

Once the formal report comes in, Pike said the city will have to approach the state Department of Environmental Protection to “talk about what our options are for mitigation.”

Councilman Maurice Cashman asked how the sequencing of the permit process will work.

Pike said that an initial lay out of the boat ramp will depend “on the extent of mussels that are observed.”

City Manager Mike Holtz said the mussel issue could impact how far the ramp can go into the water. Holtz added that there is work underway to identify a firm that can complete a rendering of the project.

Mayor David Wortman highlighted the recent announcement by the state of funding to secure a strip of land on the riverfront for a trail and the concrete pad adjacent to the townhouses.

Wortman said seeking funding to secure the properties in this way was the “right approach, the right strategy to take.”

He said obtaining those parcels is “critical for the continuing development of the riverfront” and a “great outcome.”

It’ll be some time, though, before the funding comes to Warren and the property sale can be completed.

Holtz said it will take about eight weeks to get a contract for the grant from the state.

He said the properties would not be in the city’s control for “probably three to four months. It’s not something that happens quickly.”

Initial designs for the riverfront show the concrete pad being turned into boat trailer parking.

But Councilwoman Wendy McCain said an idea from the public should be considered – turning the concrete pad into an RV park.

Citing that the pads have power, such use could allow the spaces to be rented and generate revenue.

“The benefit (to) that would be kind of a big deal,” she said.

“We can certainly take a look and see,” Holtz said, and explore the idea.