TIDIOUTE — A long-planned effort to improve public river access in Tidioute is moving forward after local officials, nonprofits and community donors came together to support a major expansion of the borough’s Allegheny River boat launch.

The approximately $500,000 project would expand the existing launch from one lane to two, add an ADA-accessible kayak launch and create a separate canoe and kayak access point.

The project emerged from the Heart and Soul community planning initiative, which collected hundreds of comments and interviews from residents about priorities for the community.

“One of the big things people wanted was improvements down here,” said Heather Cass, vice president of Tidioute Borough Council. “It’s such a beautiful part of the river, and people really utilize it.”

The launch, which serves as a major access point for campers, kayakers and boaters visiting the Allegheny River, often becomes crowded during peak recreation season.

“People come from all over for this boat launch area,” Cass said. “It really needed an upgrade.”

The project is being funded through a combination of local donations, foundation support and state grant applications. Officials said the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission contributed nearly $240,000 toward the effort, while borough leaders are seeking additional support through a grant application to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Because local matching funds were secured early, engineering and design work can begin this year, allowing the project to move more quickly into construction once final grants are approved.

Officials expect final grant decisions from DCNR to come next spring, with construction potentially beginning in early 2027.

Cass credited Borough Manager Amanda Mutscheller and a broad coalition of local organizations and volunteers for helping advance the project.

“So many people from across the area jumped on board to help make this happen,” Cass said.

Those also involved in the project include the Community Foundation of Warren County, the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry and Warren Worx.

The project is expected to boost local tourism and support small businesses throughout the borough by encouraging more recreational traffic along the river.

“We have thousands of visitors during the summer months,” Cass said. “Increasing traffic here helps our restaurants and businesses throughout town.”

Ronnie Weller, whose family has helped support several community initiatives in Tidioute over the years, also helped to launch the project, reflecting a broader effort to invest in the borough’s future.

A continuing riverfront improvement fund has also been established to support future maintenance and additional upgrades at the site.

Weller believes every little bit helps in the creation of community projects. He encourages people to do whatever they can to help make a difference.