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Expanded river access unveiled in time for Labor Day regatta

LOCKPORT -- The Lockport Boat Launch has expanded its riverbank for boaters.

A 175-foot enhancement to the riverbank of the boat launch was unveiled yesterday. Along with the enhancement project, a new sign made by Mike Brownie was unveiled detailing the names of everyone involved with riverbank enhancement.

During the start of the 51st annual Jaycee's Labor Day Regatta, a special ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the project/sign.

The improvement offers boat racers to have expanded shore access and will help stabilize the riverbank. The enhancement of the riverbank will also allow a "soft" access for kayaks and canoes for the public's usage.

The Clinton County Economic Partnership was approached by Dave Briesacher, the president of the Valley Outboard Motorboat Association, during last year's 50th Labor Day Regatta. The group had safety concerns with the limited space on the concrete launch for their boats. They asked the Economic Partnership if they could help, according to the tourism/chamber director, Julie Brennan.

From there, a small working committee was enacted which included Brennan; Briesacher; Sean Haines, a local powerboat racer; DuWayne Kunes, the organizer of the regatta; Steve Bason, the owner of Cedar Run Environmental Services; Dr. Drew Talbot, the director of the Great Island Race Series which utilizes the boat launch; and Kyle Coleman, a supervisor of Woodward Township and a township recreation committee member.

"We met with the township supervisors… they couldn't have been more supportive from the very beginning. The township crew in fact was out ahead of the project work, cut down brush and paved the way for the work that was to come," Brennan said.

An energy company, The EQT Corporation jumped into the mix and provided a very generous grant to Woodward Township for the project, according to Brennan. Bason suggested that the committee approach the energy company for financial support. Kelly Coppadge from EQT was in attendance during the ceremony.

"It was Steve Bason who suggested to me that we approach the EQT Corporation, an energy company… We couldn't have accomplished this project, and all that we did, without their financial support," said Brennan.

Haines was responsible for finalizing the project's design. Bason put together the permit application that was needed to carry out the work to be delivered to the Clinton County Conservation District for approval. Susie Peters of the Conservation District was in attendance during the ceremony.

Once the project was approved, it required a lot of stone to begin. Talbot knew Mark Kendrick at Lehigh Hanson who could help with this. Soon, Kendrick along with Brent Shaffer from Hanson's local quarry in Salona, supplied the committee with nine truckloads of stone, according to Brennan.

At no cost, Husky Hauling, Woodward Township supervisor Wayne Love's trucking company, hauled that stone to the boat launch.

Jason Smith and JTS Construction and Excavating, a local contractor, stepped in to donate their time, expertise and equipment for the project.

According to Brennan, Smith and his contracting company spent several days on site, making the appropriate grade down to the river and laid the stone.

"He made it look easy, but it was quite the project and we were thrilled with the work he did," Brennan said.

Following the Smith and JTS Construction and Excavating's work, Coleman's Landscaping consisting of Dave Coleman, Christopher Coleman, Adam Coleman and Kyle, put on the finishing touches. They hydro-seeded the graded areas of the bank so the committee could quickly get the grass growing, Brennan said.

"Again, just more great work -- their time, expertise and equipment -- that was donated to the project," she added.

Kyle took to the podium to thank Brennan for her dedication to the boat launch project. Due to her dedication, on behalf of the Woodward Township Supervisors, Kyle awarded Brennan with a plaque for all she has done with the project.

"Julie has been the glue that has held this whole project together … We appreciate everything you (Brennan) have done in the community," he said.