The great outdoors is one of Warren County’s greatest natural gifts. Pennsylvania’s leaders certainly understand the impact of the wonders.

This month, Gov. Josh Shaprio launched the Office of Outdoor Recreation. According to his office, the impact is $17 billion annually to the state’s economy that supports 164,000 jobs. The Alliance will create opportunities for our outdoor recreation businesses to collaborate with one another, develop a one-stop shop for questions related to permits, regulations, and help Pennsylvania small businesses compete in the national outdoor recreation economy.

“Outdoor recreation and tourism are already major economic drivers in Pennsylvania – I want to capitalize on that and do more to help connect the dots between businesses like Gilson Snow that support the Commonwealth’s outdoor recreation economy so they can help each other grow and succeed,” Shapiro said. “That’s why my Administration is creating the Pennsylvania Outdoor Business Alliance – to help Pennsylvania small businesses compete in the national outdoor recreation economy. Under my Administration, Pennsylvania is open for business, and we have a plan to help Pennsylvania businesses compete and grow.”

Our county and city are consistently looking to the river as one the important pieces for growing the community. That vision matches what Shapiro sees.

Warren must do more to take advantage of what the state is offering. Having the Allegheny in our region — voted the top waterway in the state — is reason enough to build on the tourism market.