CLEARFIELD – A proposed whitewater recreation park for the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Clearfield Borough topped the borough’s committee meeting on Thursday.
Maria Lemmo, Clearfield Revitalization Corp. board president, attended the meeting and provided council with information on the proposed river project.
Her presentation led to many questions, concerns and comments from council, and while Lemmo was able to provide some answers, some questions still remain.
Lemmo said the borough had reached out to the CRC in June, requesting project information such as public support and interest, financial assistance and maintenance.
So far as public interest, she said a community meeting was held July 1 at River’s Landing Event Center with over 100 citizens in attendance and the majority was in favor of the project.
At the meeting, she said Clearly Ahead Development, which is overseeing the proposed project, spoke of the many benefits of these types of outdoor recreation parks.
It was also noted that earlier this week, the CRC held a whitewater meeting with Clearfield Mayor Mason Strouse participating and Council President Steve Livergood observing.
The CRC board discussed funding opportunities, such as grants, that have been announced by Visit Clearfield County and Clearfield County Charitable Foundation.
And, so far as maintenance, Lemmo said they have contacts with connections to artificially-constructed whitewater recreation parks that are located in four different states.
Although the information was beneficial, Livergood had questions about the maintenance costs and if the borough would be obligated to maintain it.
Lemmo indicated that the upkeep would be the responsibility of the borough, which led to questions from Assistant Fire Chief Brett Collins, who noted the department doesn’t have a water rescue boat.
He went on to say that such an addition to the Clearfield area would also mean more manpower, more training and potentially more equipment.
Lemmo said there have been discussions regarding training for rescue operations, and that it would be at no cost to either the CRC or borough.
She reminded council members that the proposed whitewater recreation park wouldn’t be happening right away but is in the works for a couple of years down the road.
Council Member Todd Orsich said he was not against the project but felt Clearly Ahead should have brought it before the borough before the public.
“I’ve never seen a project—of this size—presented backwards.”
He added, “We have other projects—like in East End—that residents have been waiting for over 20 years for something to be done. So, we can’t just skip over things and move other projects to the front.”
Street Foreman Todd Kling agreed, saying that based upon the current presentation Thursday, “I don’t understand how someone could vote for it.”
Livergood had concerns about insurance costs and whether or not maintenance expenses would drive up the cost of the borough’s coverage, which he worries would mean more taxes for residents.
Orsich agreed. “We are taxed out.”
Lemmo said she did understand their point of view and hesitance to jump on board.
Livergood said council would have to investigate the insurance matters, in addition to any training, equipment and so forth that might be necessary.
Lemmo said that should council continue with support, the CRC would spearhead fundraising efforts to cover the estimated $255,000 in engineering costs so that the study and planning can proceed.
Council’s next meeting is Thursday, Aug. 15 at 5:30 p.m.