Riverlife held a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning on the recently completed Mon Wharf Landing, which has converted some parking spaces along the edge of the Monongahela River to a landscaped trail with mooring for river craft. The project is the first of three phases that will connect the Smithfield Bridge and Pt. State Park.
Riverlife Executive Director Lisa Schroeder says it's possible for the hearty to access Pt. State Park from the landing now via a ramp under the Ft. Pitt Bridge, but it will be much easier when the park and a special ramp are finished in 1-1/2 to 2 years.
The project is designed to withstand the flooding that occurs several times a year, according to Schroeder. The deck is slightly sloped and a little bit higher than it was, and the native plants will tolerate submersion in water. Special fire hoses are in place to clean up mud and silt after flooding.
Half the $3 Million cost for the project came from the federal Department of Transportation, and Congressman Mike Doyle is also requesting funding for Phase II, which will be a ramp from the Smithfield Bridge down to the wharf level.
Other funds came from Riverlife, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PennDOT, the Mabis McKenna Foundation, the Heinz Endowments, and the Richard King Mellon Foundation.
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