CLEARFIELD – An update was given Thursday night on the boat launch project proposed within Clearfield Borough.
Todd Banks of Stiffler, McGraw & Associates attempted to answer questions posed to him from Stacy Bressler of the Curwensville Anglers Restocking Program as well as Clearfield Borough Council.
Bressler asked when the project was slated to start. Banks said that the construction of the launch hinges on the approval of the proposed Riverwalk master site plan by state officials. The launch is tied in with the project, though it is a separate project.
Patty Gilliland, mayor of Clearfield Borough, indicated her displeasure at council for not purchasing land on the west bank of the river. She stated that would have taken the boat launch out of the master site plan. That topic was discussed during an August meeting of council.
The boat launch project is the result of two grants, one from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the other from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Banks added that another sticking point is the parking. The launch will be at Lower Witmer Park. Banks said that there is not much point in building a boat launch if people cannot back their boats into the water.
Banks also asked council what they thought about a boat dock. Bressler indicated, that to his knowledge, that the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will generally not permit docks on river systems.
Banks added that they will apply for the permits on the project from DEP, with the hopes of a late spring, early summer start on construction.
“Let’s get this going,” said John Naddeo, councilman. “We have the money to do it.”