Updated Action Agenda

Transcription

1 Updated Action Agenda

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Background II. Community Priorities III. Updated Coalition Priorities A. Continued Improvement of River Access and Riverfront Amenities B. Attract Canoe/Kayak Rental Businesses C. Complete Regional Signage Program D. Develop and Launch Artists and Artisans Incubator E. Execute Regional Marketing Plan F. Launch University Collaborative IV. Appendices Appendix I: Information on River Town Program and the National Road Heritage Corridor Appendix II: History of the Mon River Valley Coalition Action Agenda The Historic National Road AMERICA S ROAD TO REVOLUTION 1

3 I. BACKGROUND In 2011, Pennsylvania Environmental Council launched the River Town Program in five communities bordering the Monongahela River. These communities represented three counties and included: Point Marion in Fayette County; Rices Landing and Greensboro in Greene County; and Fredericktown and California in Washington County. In 2012, Brownsville, in Fayette County, asked to join the Program and in 2013 Monongahela and Charleroi in Washington County became part of the collaborative effort. Three communities in West Virginia: Morgantown, Star City, and Fairmont joined the Program in As the Coalition efforts gained strength other communities asked to join and Belle Vernon and West Brownsville representatives regularly participate. In 2016, the Coalition directors, Cathy McCollom from the River Town Program and Donna Holdorf of the National Road Heritage Corridor received funding from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to expand the Coalition s reach to include seven additional communities in the Mon River Valley. These seven communities are: Belle Vernon, Fayette County Allenport, Washington County Elco, Washington County Stockdale, Washington County Speers, Washington County Roscoe, Washington County Dunlevy, Washington County 2

4 THE MON RIVER VALLEY COALITION The Mon River Valley Coalition, led by the River Town Program and National Road Heritage Corridor directors, has accomplished much in its first three years of collaborative efforts, including securing over $1,000,000 (One Million Dollars) for projects. The focus of the work has been: trail development, river access, opening view corridors, improving services and amenities, and launching a broad marketing campaign to effectively raise the visibility of the Mon River as a regional recreational asset. New opportunities abound for these communities as they work together to capture the visitor market and improve their communities economic vitality (Detailed information about the work of the River Town Program and National Road Heritage Corridor as well as details on the launch of the Coalition included as Appendix). Greensboro Dock Assessment Meeting Rices Landing, PA 3

5 II. COMMUNITY PRIORITIES Focusing on a goal of attracting visitors and business, participating communities originally selected five priorities for their towns, determined from a review of previous planning efforts including the River Town Needs Assessments. These community priorities were to have regional impact. The results revealed common priorities, leading to the key regional initiatives outlined in the original Capturing the Opportunities in the Mon River Valley. In addition to these priorities, communities also provided lists of their amenities and nearby attractions to be included in regional itineraries and in the regional marketing/branding discussion. An inventory of the provided attractions and amenities was incorporated into the Coalition web site This list will continue to be updated and a marketing subcommittee of the Coalition, convened in 2013, will continue to focus on regional marketing efforts. A festival is in the planning stages for a 2016 summer launch. The human capital needed to accomplish the regional agenda was discussed in detail in early meetings and with the participation of West Virginia University and California University of Pennsylvania personnel, a sub committee was formed. The sub-committee will continue to meet to determine a strategy that will include classroom work, internship opportunities and student involvement to address the human capital needs of the Coalition s Action Plan. This priority remains on the updated action agenda. In addition to the on-going capacity needs for community development, a key issue remains How to sustain the operations of the Coalition? Despite engaged representation from participating communities, leadership is needed to convene meetings, move the agenda forward, submit grants, engage participation. The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation has supported this effort since the launch of the Coalition and has funded expansion to include additional Mon River Valley communities in This funding also sustains the operational leadership of the River Town Program and National Road Heritage Corridor for another year. Discussion of future operational organization will remain an agenda item for each Coalition meeting. Research into the advantages and disadvantages of developing nonprofit has been undertaken. Other approaches under consideration include developing a public/ private county entity (authority or commission) or seeking additional nonprofit partners to assist in organizational leadership. 4

6 III. COALITION PRIORITIES In the original Capturing the Opportunities in the Mon River Valley, the top five regional priorities were identified. Costs were calculated for each and resources secured as possible. A sixth initiative, developing collaboration between California University of Pennsylvania and West Virginia University was also initiated in Updated priorities for : A. Continued Improvement of River Access and Riverfront Amenities B. Attract Canoe/Kayak Rental Businesses C. Complete Regional Signage Program D. Develop and Launch Artists and Artisans Incubator E. Execute Regional Marketing Plan F. Launch University-Community Collaborative 5

7 A. Continued Improvement of River Access and Riverfront Amenities An inventory of the participating River Towns revealed multiple points of access to the Monongahela River but considerable variation in quality and attractiveness. There were also a large number that lacked directional signs making it difficult for visitors to discover the river access points. A map of access points along the Mid Mon 6

8 Access points in the West Virginia portion of the Mon River are noted below. 7

9 The following table shows projects completed and projects remaining to be implemented. COMMUNITY PRESENT AMENITIES AMENITIES NEEDED FUNDING SOURCES COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION TIMELINE Point Marion Boat Launch Landscaping Improvements Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau (LHVB) Equipment and Parks volunteers Complete Boat Dock More boat slips; Kayak/ Canoe Launch DCNR (C2P2 grant); Act 13 Funds Riverfront Park improvements, signage, toilets, entrance, parking LHVB Volunteer Park Maintenance Team; clean up days throughout the summer. Funds raised through summertime movies & refreshment sales; Borough provides $2k in maintenance and equipment Complete except for Maintenance Fund Sheepskin Trailhead Trail Completed to Morgantown Funding in place: DCNR, DCED and private foundations through Fayette County under the direction of National Road Heritage Corridor Community contribution in excess of $5K Trail to be completed in 2016 Bike racks Community Foundation of Fayette County; Point Marion Chamber Complete Greensboro Kayak/Canoe Launch DCNR C2P2 Park and trail maintained by Borough and Elm St Program Complete Full Service Restrooms Completed by Elm Street Program Complete 8

10 COMMUNITY PRESENT AMENITIES AMENITIES NEEDED FUNDING SOURCES COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION Riverfront Park Completed by Elm Street Program Complete Rices Landing Boat Launch Complete Boat Dock Complete Fredericktown Riverfront Park Pumpkin Run Park Boat Dock with lighting; improved entrance; business directory & welcome sign facing river Riverfront Park- Bower Park Town Center Park with gazebo; business directory, map and community bulletin board; path to riverfront; improved landscaping Canoe/Kayak launch at old Ferry site Restrooms, Improved riverfront fencing Campsites, Amenities, Property Survey Riverfront dredging Gateway entrance sign Canoe/Kayak Launch; signage DCNR (Small Communities Program) Volunteer labor to remove existing fencing 2018 DCNR Volunteer labor 2017 DCNR; Port of Pittsburgh; Local Share Funds River Town program River Town Program, DCNR, Port of Pittsburgh Volunteer plantings, build benches; landscaping Land leased by private owner to Twp for $1/year. Volunteers built benches and picnic tables; Twp cleared river view corridors Volunteers assisted in landscaping and planting; removal of some trees; cleared path to riverfront TIMELINE 90% completed Complete CFA Act

11 Public dock Public Dock expansion Local Share California Boat Launch Improved boat launch; DCNR $35,000 Borough; $30, landscaping and signage Parks Authority Boat Dock Float private docks Private donor tbd donated to Borough Wyatt Riverfront Park Signage DCNR Borough to install 2017 Brownsville Wharf; limited docking; limited signage Dunlap Creek, Access Expanded docking; Kayak/Canoe Launch; Way finding signage; Improved entry point Planning for improved access, overlook, riverfront trail DCNR C2P2 Program; LHVB DCNR Charleroi Boat Launch Signage, access, landscaping Riverfront Park Signage; Improved access; clear riverfront corridors Monongahela Aquatorium; limited boat dock Signage; expanded boat dock and launch; Kayak/ Canoe Launch Local Share (CFA) 2016 Act 13 (CFA); Washington County Tourism Act 13 Washington County (CFA) Volunteers to assist in clearing view corridors Morgantown Master riverfront plan Initiate recommendations such as improved lighting along trail River Town Program

12 BOPARC marketing plan Tracking for evaluating increased visitation in parks; River Town Program 2016 Resource development plan and execution for sustaining operations Public art installations River Town Program 2016 Star City Engineering for connector trail to commercial development Construction of connector trail. Engineering will be completed in WVDOH Community provided $25K to match grant secured through WVDOH for engineering and design Trail signage; Seneca signage Completion of Van Voorhis EZ Docking system/launch River Town Program Community donations supporting EZ Docking system 2016 Public art designed and installed at the riverfront park River Town Program Completed Fairmont Engaged and motivated trail friends group; West Fork Trail connector Completion of West Fork Trail connection to Mon River Valley trail WVDOH, River Town Program

13 Riverfront Art in Star City Wharf District, Morgantown Morgantown Riverfront 12

14 Trail Signage Fish Sculptures in Fredericktown Riverfront Sign in Fredericktown Walking the West Fork in Fairmont, WV Clearing the riverfront in Morgantown 13

15 Fairmont, West Virginia Table 9 Restaurant, Morgantown Seneca Center Dock Access Area 14

16 Although much success has occurred, a Coalition priority is to continue to improve river access and riverfront amenities. Those items remaining above will be addressed as priorities in this updated Action Agenda. A. RIVERFRONT ACCESS AND AMENITIES Priorities Complete the Sheepskin Trail, connecting Point Marion and Morgantown Completed public boat dock improvements in Point Marion, California, Fredericktown Finalize plan and direction for the public park improvements in Rices Landing Complete the Fairmont loop trail, connecting the West Fork Trail to the Mon River Trail and connecting Fairmont neighborhoods. Execute Morgantown Riverfront Plan to the extent of improving lighting and signage at the Park Complete Star City Mon River Trail Connection to commercial development Execute key riverfront projects determined from the West Brownsville riverfront plan Complete improvements in Brownsville Central Park including Dunlap Creek overlook Complete planning for Dunlap Creek trail and access Proposed Canoe/Kayak Launch, Van Voorhis site Action Steps: 1. Outline detailed next steps, costs for each major project and the part the Mon River Valley Coalition will play in completing the project: Sheepskin Trail, connecting Point Marion and Morgantown Public Boat Dock improvements in Point Marion, California, Fredericktown Public Park Improvements in Rices Landing Fairmont Loop Trail Morgantown Riverfront Plan Star City Trail Connection West Brownsville riverfront plan execution Brownsville Central Park and Dunlap Creek Development 15

17 2. Community representatives to present plan to municipal leadership and verify municipal commitment for priority projects as needed. 3. Community representatives to request letter of support/resolution from municipal leadership for specific community projects to be undertaken. 4. Determine appropriate funding sources 5. Determine appropriate applicant per resource Total Estimated Budget This budget does not reflect total costs of projects but rather the Coalition s anticipated contribution in secured funds. $120,000 for West Brownsville riverfront projects $100,000 for Brownsville Central Park /Dunlap Creek Restoration $90,000 for public dock improvements in Fredericktown, Point Marion and California $50,000 for public park improvements in Rices Landing $250,000 for West Virginia projects including, Morgantown Riverfront park, Fairmont loop trail and Star City connector TOTAL $610,000 Resources: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Community Conservation Partnership Program; C2P2): 16 Applications Due: April 2016 Municipalities to apply 50% match required Awards Announced: November/December, 2016 Contracts Executed: March/April, 2016 Work To Commence: April/ May, 2016 PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Small Communities Program; Municipalities less than 5000) Applications Due: April 2016 Municipalities to apply 20% match required for projects up to $60,000 Awards Announced: November/December, 2016

18 Contracts Executed: March/April, 2016 Work To Commence: April/May, 2016 Washington County PA Local Share (Redevelopment Authority of Washington County) Applications Due: Fall of 2016; workshops generally held in the summer Match not required but encouraged Awards Announced: Spring, 2017 Contracts Executed: Summer, 2017 Work to Commence: Fall, 2017 PA Commonwealth Finance Authority - Act 13 Greenways, Trails & Recreation Program (Projects might also be applicable under Watershed Restoration and Protection Program) Anticipated deadline Summer 2016 Consideration at November 2016 Board meeting-commonwealth Finance Authority Project costs may not to exceed $250K 50% cash/non cash match unless community less than 5000 than 20% cash/non cash match Municipal, COGS, Authorized organizations, watershed conservation districts and for profit can apply WV Division of Highways Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Intent to Apply- due Jan. 15, 2016 required to submit before grant application Application- due March 15, 2016 Projects separated into Design Phase, Construction Phase, Design and Construction Phases, Right-of-Way Phase (purchase of corridor or facility) 80% federally funded 20% non-federal match (cash or non cash match) Federal match- recommended maximum of $400,000 Government agencies with full-time employee that is responsible as project manager If awarded, project agreement requires a long-term maintenance commitment WV Division of Highways Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Intent to Apply- due Jan. 15, 2016 required to submit before grant application Application- due March 15, 2016 Projects separated into Design Phase, Construction Phase, Design and Construction Phases, Right-of-Way Phase (purchase of corridor or facility) Federal match maximum of $150,000 non-profit organizations in good standing with the Secretary of State s office, government agencies If awarded, project agreement requires a long-term maintenance commitment 17

19 WV Land and Water Conservation Fund Eligible activities: They include but are not limited to the development of outdoor recreation resources related to the following: o Land acquisition for parklands o Development or renovation of the following types of outdoor recreational facilities: Campgrounds Picnic areas Sports and playfields Golf courses Swimming facilities Boating facilities Fishing facilities Hunting areas Eligible applicants: Funds are provided to units of local government, independent park boards, commissions, districts and state government. Type of assistance: 50 / 50 reimbursable matching grants. Contact: For additional information about the LWCF program, please contact John McGarrity or Jim Marshall at (800) or (304) WV Tourism Matching Advertising Partnership Program (MAPP) Reimbursable partnership program that provides matching funds for direct advertising that increase visitation and travel expenditures in WV. Funding levels $10,000+, $7,500, or $5,000 Fair & Festival level Requires ability to track success with measurement tools such as surveys, coupons redeemed, attendance, call-ins, etc. WV Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Master Naturalist Program WV Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) REAP Program Trails Winter sport facilities Support facilities (walks, utilities, bathrooms, etc.) Amphitheaters Lake impoundments Visitor information centers Interpretive centers The Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan strives to clean up West Virginia and rid the state of unsightly litter. Provides free gloves and bags to volunteers and will pick up and dispose of bags, tires, and other large trash items at pre-arranged time. They work with volunteers to schedule these events through-out the year or your community or organization can be a host of a Make-It- Shine Spring Cleanup held in early to mid April in which dumpsters are also provided at designated locations - April 1-14, To register your group, or for more information, call

20 B. ATTRACT CANOE/KAYAK RENTAL BUSINESSES Attracting canoe and kayak rental businesses has proven to be challenging and conversations with existing outfitters have focused on the tight market. Although agreeing there is much improvement in the quality of the river and in existing infrastructure, business entrepreneurs are still uncertain of the viability of a stand alone business at this point. The Coalition will thus explore creative alternatives over the next several years in conversation with existing professionals in the field. Possible alternatives include public/private enterprises, public development of rental space for businesses and part time operations. We still believe that existing businesses in each community offer the best opportunity to expand into Canoe/Kayak rentals and possible bicycle rentals as well; particularly in Point Marion where the Sheepskin Trail represents the longest distance biking/hiking trail in the area. Other trails include the 1.25 mile long Nathanael Greene in Greensboro and the 5.2 mile Greene River Trail connecting Rices Landing to just outside Fredericktown. We will actively attempt to engage existing business owners in further conversation and attempt to launch at least one new canoe and kayak business over the next three years. Landscaping at Monongahela, Pennsylvania s Aquatorium 19

21 Community Existing Businesses Service Gaps Available Properties near Riverfront Point Marion Point Marion Marina: 20 slips; privately owned Possible Existing Business Expansion Opportunity Canoe/Kayak Rental Yes Yes Greensboro Canoe/Kayak Rental Yes Yes; Existing Canoe/Kayak Launch Rices Landing Canoe/Kayak Rental Yes No existing business, but existing boat launch Fredericktown Marina (Ten Mile Canoe/Kayak Rental Yes Yes Creek access); Paddle boarding Rental Business; Canoe/Kayak Launch California Privately owned Canoe/Kayak Rental Yes No Marina & dock now closed. Owner is willing to donate to Borough & float to Boat launch Brownsville Canoe/Kayak Rental Yes No but Wharf and boat dock exist, limited space available nearby Charleroi Canoe/Kayak Rental Yes No but improved boat launch, new canoe/kayak launch in 2016 Monongahela Aquatorium and nearby Visitors Center; riverfront access Canoe/Kayak Rental Yes No 20

22 West Brownsville Yes No, but existing boat launch Morgantown Riverfront park, public launches, public docks. Twin Spruce Marina, 3CR Outdoor Supply Yes Sunset Beach Marina (Cheat Lake); PADLZ in Bruceton Mills; WVU Rec Center Star City Yes No, but public launch and public docks and riverfront trail, Van Voorhis access and new canoe/ kayak launch Fairmont Canoe/Kayak Rental Yes No Action Steps: Explore the opportunities for possible public private and or part time operation. Develop a subcommittee to explore high priority locations, and develop a budget and needed resources. Completed report by Spring, Develop a comprehensive list of resources available in region. Research models of public/private business operations. Outreach to possible outfitters and community leadership to explore viability of the concept of public/private operations. Host a workshop in late Spring, 2016 for all business interests that might consider expanding to include Canoe/Kayak Rental business. Include financial resources such as SBA; Bridgeway Capital; Washington County Economic Development Agency. Total Budget: $130,000 Workshops: $10,000 Public/Private Operation: Public commitment of space and products for two year trial. Estimated cost $120,000 over two years. 21

23 C. COMPLETE THE REGIONAL SIGNAGE PROGRAM Community Existing Signage Signage Needed Funds secured Partners Point Marion Gateway Signage: 3 River Town design; Way finding signage to public dock, launch and park; Improved Park Signage; trailhead signage $10,000 Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau; Rails to Trails Conservancy; Trail Volunteer Fund Greensboro Gateway (2); one is River Town design; $5,000 River Town Program Bulletin Board sign at riverfront Rices Landing One gateway and one way finding; River Town design; signage at riverfront $15,000 Rivers of Steel 22 Fredericktown California Gateway signage; business directory at community park and facing the river by public docks Brownsville TODS application submitted (11/15) ; Gateway Sign under Borough control; funding secured but must be spent by end of 2015 Canoe /Kayak Launch when completed Boat launch signage; riverfront park signage Improved way finding to Wharf Charleroi TODS signs completed River facing signage; boat launch signage Monongahela TODS signs River facing signage; Completed boat launch signage State Route Signage SR 88 south and north SR 43 East and West Morgantown Completed community signage, trail access signage, riverfront signage $15,000 River Town Program; Port of Pittsburgh $7,000 LHVB $15,000 Washington County, Act 13 Chamber $15,000 Washington County Act 13, Chamber $5000 River Town Program (Benedum) Star City Wayfinding, trail access, riverfront $5000 River Town Program (Benedum) Fairmont Wayfinding Trailhead signage $5000 River Town Program (Benedum)

24 Action Steps: Map locations for State Route signage Outline Plan, number of signs, locations and design. Raise necessary funding for manufacturing and installation of signage Complete installation of outstanding signs TOTAL BUDGET: $33,000 PENNDOT TOD signs: $13,000 ($1,300 each) Gateway and other signs: $20,000 23

25 D. LAUNCH ARTISTS AND ARTISANS INCUBATOR In recognition of the significant role art and artists can play in community development, an artists and artisans incubator will be developed to explore the concept and encourage a creative reuse of available space in the Mon River Towns. Funds are now being secured to fully develop the concept, a budget for the space, business and marketing plan for operations and outreach. An inventory of possible spaces below: Community Existing Public Art Existing Performance Space Point Marion Three murals Jordan Auto Building; car museum; upper floor community space Existing Live/work Space Available and Appropriate Properties Possible Partners No Yes Friendship Hill Association; Point Marion Rotary; Parks & Recreation Commission Greensboro Two sculptures No Yes Yes; Monon Center to Elm Street Program be restored as Greene County Cultural Enrichment Center Rices Landing One mural No No Greene County Tourism Agency; Rivers of Steel Fredericktown California Fish sculptures (dozen) No No Yes Fredericktown Chamber of Commerce California University; Jozart upper floor Brownsville Two murals Operating out of Borough Building; in construction Charleroi Monongahela Coyle Theater to be demolished Aquatorium; outdoor, riverfront facility No No No No Yes; multiple vacant and underutilized buildings in town Multiple vacant & historic bldgs in commercial district; riverfront multiple vacant & underutilized historic buildings in commercial district Vacant riverfront building California University Performing and Visual Arts and Kindermusik Studio Charleroi Art and Entertainment; Mon Valley Initiative (Economic Development Planning underway) Monongahela Area Revitalization Corp (MARC); Main Street merchants 24 24

26 Next Steps: Available space has been inventoried in Charleroi, Point Marion, Greensboro (updates needed). Determine top choices for pilot art incubator space Secure Funding (application pending, spring 2016) for plan development, outreach to artists Total Budget: $20,000 Consultant cost for inventory and research: $10,000 Incubator space preparation: $5,000 Outreach to artists: $5, Total Budget: $65,000 Prepare Facility: $35,000 Initial Furnishings/Two Years of Utilities: $25,000 Launch Artists Incubator Space Event: $5,000 25

27 E. EXECUTE REGIONAL MARKETING PLAN Accomplished during the first three years: Convened a Marketing Committee and drafted a marketing plan Produced unique brand and visual program for Monongahela River Valley Implemented marketing outreach plan Developed and launched Coalition web site Integrated Coalition work into monthly newsletter, 879 viewers Social media followers increased to 1000 Included brand in gateway signage in multiple communities Developed and launched the Come Down to the River and Play weekend long event Developed and launched summer concerts in Rices Landing Assisted with re-launch of Rices Landing Riverfest Assisted with California River Festival Assisted with multiple Fredericktown events Mon River selected as 2013 River of the Year Multiple sojourns planned and executed Developed and sold merchandise during Mon River of the Year- long celebration Developed and distributed table tents, tablemats, banners, signs, brochures, print ads, radio about Mon River of the Year events. Summer long events highlighted. Multiple features ran in regional newspapers. 26

28 Jozart Building in California Available buildings in Brownsville Marketing continues to be a high priority for the Coalition particularly in terms of attracting visitors to the region. With the infrastructure largely in place, the communities along the Mon River are ready and able to welcome larger numbers of visitors. The Coalition continues to raise funds for continuation of the web site, and is companion web site, The River Town Program, A 2016 summer festival is now being planned for a weekend in July. The Mon River Valley Coalition marketing plan focuses on social media and collaborating regularly with the tourism promotional partners in the region: Washington County Chamber of Commerce, the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau and the Greene County Tourism Agency. Representatives from each of these agencies are active participants in the Coalition and regularly attend meetings, offering support, guidance and assistance. Multiple sojourns are now being planned in association with Coalition participants and a focus will remain on encouraging active use of the river in this manner. Funds are presently being raised to support this effort and allow sojourns to be planned, and executed with professional oversight. 27

29 With much of the infrastructure now in place, the highest priority for Coalition members is to actively increase visitation to the region. The focused goal of all of our efforts has been to have a positive impact on the economics of the region through increased visitor spending. In order to effectively market the Mon River Valley region, a dedicated marketing professional is needed. Discussion of the use of university students either as interns or in work/study programs will continue to be explored; however, the consensus of the marketing subcommittee has been a professional marketing consultant would have the greatest impact and most effective return on investment. Next steps: Convene marketing committee and update Marketing priorities Fireworks at a River Festival Develop budget for Festival and secure sponsorships Market and launch a successful summer festival Update coalition web site as visitor portal Complete consultant proposal and secure funds for contract Distribute RFP Contract with Consultant A Riverfest Launch regional marketing plan with defined deliverables Total Budget: $250,000 28

30 F. LAUNCH UNIVERSITY- COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP California University of PA is a public, regional higher education institution. Situated adjacent to the Monongahela River in southwestern Pennsylvania and drawing students from throughout the counties surrounding the campus, the future of the university and the future of the Monongahela River Region are inextricably bound together. In much the same way West Virginia University, in Morgantown, is bound to the Mon River as well as to the success of the community that surrounds it. These two universities have many assets that may be of benefit to the development of the Monongahela River Valley. The multitude of projects and programs that are required to continue to promote the Valley and to improve the infrastructure and attract businesses requires capacity and future leadership. The universities offer the opportunities for both. Among the many assets to be found in university partners are: A talented pool of faculty, staff and students in many disciplines, including students eager to test newly developed knowledge, values and skills. Numerous classes and programs that include regional aspects, service learning components, and/or professional internships or externships (e.g., courses in parks and recreation, tourism, geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping, environmental studies, fisheries management, water quality, and wildlife management, communication studies, business, theater and the arts, etc.). Faculty and students from these classes are often looking for opportunities for applied learning and service in the surrounding region. Vibrant programs in the arts and associated student clubs offering talent and skills to be of service to the region (e.g. California University s The Student Pottery Club and Studio 224 [graphic design] have both produced work for community events.). Offices offering services or talent to local and regional entities, including the Internship Center, the Center for Civic Engagement, the Entrepreneurial Leadership Center and the Student Incubator. Emerging collaborative efforts such as the Northern Appalachian Network (at California University of PA) and the Northern West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center. The University campus also offers state-of-the-art classroom technology and space for meetings, displays and dialogue that may be of use to community development efforts. 29

31 Possible partnerships which allow for cross-disciplinary action, including but not limited to: 1. Education about water quality in the region, civic engagement on environmental health, and the degree to which water quality can offer recreational/economic development; 2. Collaboration among University and community members focused on the arts, the region and its people, and opportunities and challenges facing communities throughout the region. Next Steps: Meet with California University administration officials to vet the idea and concepts. Meet with West Virginia University officials to vet the idea and concepts. Convene the joint committee to produce the plan to move agreed upon concepts forward. Budget: $10,000 for meetings, site visits, drafting a plan 30

32 APPENDIX I Information on River Town Program and National Road Heritage Corridor The River Town Program The River Town Program, launched through the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and now directed by the National Road Heritage Corridor, assists communities in recognizing the river as an asset around which potential community and economic development can occur, and thus a resource worthy of protection. This Program serves as a model for implementing collaborative solutions to environmental protection and restoration; for the participating communities this program has introduced outdoor recreation as an engine for economic growth and brought the recognition of regional cooperation as a strategy for sustainable development. In 2010, the River Town Program was launched in communities bordering the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to test the strategies used in previous asset-based community development initiatives. The communities bordering rivers throughout Pennsylvania were founded as river towns, manufacturing centers close to river transportation and supplemented by rail. With the decline of manufacturing, these communities suffered both job loss and population decline as generations that once prospered working in industries next to the river were forced to leave to find jobs. The growth of a market interested in outdoor recreational pursuits and the intrinsic and natural attraction of water, led planners to explore the possibility of a navigable river as an asset upon which to focus revitalization strategies. The River Town model improves the vitality, stability, sustainability, and prosperity of communities, businesses, and neighborhoods; introduces the concepts of outdoor recreational market growth, sustainable development, conservation, and environmental sustainability, and positions communities to attract new businesses and jobs to the area. The overall objective of the River Town Program is to provide an efficient, effective, regionally-based resource to help local communities recognize rivers and their recreational opportunities as potential economic and community assets, and thus a resource worthy of protection. This recognition is the foundation upon which related economic development, including recreational tourism, and environmental initiatives, such as storm water management, trail development, and clean energy projects are built. Following the success of this Program in Allegheny County, six towns along the Monongahela River in Fayette, Greene and Washington Counties were added in Two more communities joined the Program in 2013 and three municipalities in West Virginia now participate as well. The need for community and economic development programs and resources has become even more important in recent years as communities work to recover from financial decline. At the same time, community improvement programs, staff, and resources are in increasingly short supply due to budget cuts, funding reductions layoffs, reductions in business investment, and decreased private development activity. The River Town Program presented an opportunity to address these issues by pooling resources, providing economies of scale, and building a broad range of professional and technical assistance in an efficient and effective manner. 31

33 The National Road Heritage Corridor The National Road Heritage Corridor (NRHC) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. As one of twelve state designated heritage areas under the Department of Conservation and National Resource s Pennsylvania Heritage Areas Program, the designation represents recognition of the Historic National Road s wealth of historic, cultural, scenic and recreational resources and potential as a tourism destination. Established in 1994, the Historic National Road was named a state scenic byway in 1995 and a National Scenic Byway All-American Road in The mission of the National Road Heritage Corridor is to advocate for, build awareness of, and encourage the conservation of the cultural, historic, natural, recreational and economic resources along the Historic National Road in Pennsylvania through education and interpretation vis-à-vis community development, in a manner that promotes partnerships among the corridor s many stakeholders, and reflects, celebrates, and enhances the corridor s national significance. Grassroots in its approach, the National Road Heritage Corridor relies strongly on the people and communities in the region to accomplish its mission and goals. The National Road Heritage Corridor works with local, state and national heritage partners in developing and enhancing the visitor experience along the corridor and in the region. Projects related to preservation and adaptive reuse have been undertaken in communities such as Brownsville, Connellsville, West Alexander and Scenery Hill. Efforts to establish and enhance tourism infrastructure include activities in communities such as Ohiopyle, Point Marion, Uniontown and Dunbar. The NRHC is also Fayette County s development partner for the Sheepskin Trail and is currently undertaking the construction of a segment of that trail in Point Marion and Springhill Township. In total, since the National Road Heritage Corridor began its operations in 1995, the NRHC has delivered state and federal grant funds and leveraged additional investments for regional projects in excess of $16 million. Along with its work as a state designated heritage area and a national and state scenic byway, the NRHC is engaged with several partners in the region on the state, local and national level and serves as a member of several boards and committees to advance conservation and aide the growth and sustainability of one of Southwestern Pennsylvania s leading industries tourism. 32

34 APPENDIX II The Launch of the Mon River Valley Coalition Action Agenda In the summer of 2013, the State Representative of Pennsylvania s 50 th District, Pamela Snyder, met with the directors of the River Town Program and the National Road Heritage Corridor and urged them to develop a regional action agenda that would serve as a foundation for future regional efforts that would capitalize on heritage tourism and outdoor recreation and the economic benefits they offer. This regional collaborative action plan would include methods and funding options for making recreational and heritage tourism a long-term priority. Municipal and civic leaders were invited to attend the first Monongahela River Coalition meeting on September 3, 2013 at California University. Three dozen attended including members of council and mayors, tourism professionals, university representatives from both California and West Virginia universities, county planning directors, Representatives Pam Snyder and Pete Daley, Washington County Commissioner Harlan Shober as well as a representative from Senator Solobay s office. Following a review of the recent accomplishments and projects underway in the River Towns, the participants discussed how to continue the conversation and best position the Mon Valley for tourism. Legislators present at the meeting urged the coalition to prioritize regional projects in an Action Plan for dissemination among leadership to garner support. Previous planning efforts were reviewed to determine applicable regional priorities. Two subsequent meetings were held as the action agenda and priorities were discussed. A consensus was reached for a five year regional plan Capturing the Opportunities in the Mon River Valley. A complete copy of this document can be found at: 33