Trickle effect
As another summer season nears an end, mountain area tourists are tucking away their memories along with filing their snapshots. Area businesses that rely on tourists can look at the ledgers now to gauge the season’s success. Although the area had its share of rain, the summer wasn’t so bad. There were plenty of days for boating, camping, fishing, hiking and rafting. And everyone that makes a living off those ventures would like to keep it that way. Already there is a concern that next season might be bleak because of anticipated cutbacks by the Army Corps of Engineers. Fewer workers could mean that some facilities, including Corps-run campgrounds at Yough Dam would be closed. Access to some of the boater access could be shut off. These closures would spell disaster for recreation.
Federal funding for the Army Corps Pittsburgh District has been taking yearly hits. The budget of $140 million of three years ago is now at $100 million and is anticipated to fall further. Staffing throughout the district could fall from 725 workers to 520 as early as November. The cutbacks would trim the Yough Lake staff from 10 full-timers to four. Such a loss will surely trickle down supporting businesses.
The Army Corps in deciding where cuts will happen must take into consideration that its prime role is to ensure that commercial traffic can easily navigate the rivers. Moving barges through the locks has to take precedent over pleasure boat travels. But the Corps can’t lose sight of the other economy that has sprung from the waterways, especially on Yough Lake. If cuts are imminent, the Corps should host a series of public meetings so that those who earn their livelihood from tourism have an opportunity to learn first hand – not from the rumor mill that is now operating – what this will mean. It would give businesses the opportunity over the winter to come up with a game plan that will help them survive.
through the next summer season.