WARREN – The existing dock system at Kinzua Marina along Route
59 in Warren County is slated to be replaced by May 15, 2006.
Using federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. John Peterson, R-Pa.,
the U.S. Forest Service will replace the existing dock system;
bring it into compliance with health, safety and accessibility
standards; upgrade the existing electrical and water supply systems
on shore; and examine dock rates and bring them in line with
similar facilities across the region.
The Forest Service has permitted the operation of marina
services through various special use permits at the site since
1966. The agency completed an environmental assessment to issue a
long-term – 20 year – special use permit to Kinzua Limited Inc.
The current dock system will be replaced through phases over the
term of the permit.
According to the Forest Service, the project will address the
backlog maintenance needs of the existing dock system and bring the
docks into compliance with current health, safety and accessibility
standards.
The current dock system is aging and is expensive and difficult
to repair.
The project will also:
* Address design and location of the existing dock system within
the special use permitted reservoir water acreage to provide an
extended season use for dock holders by addressing the slope of the
dock bridges during fluctuating water levels;
* Address dock holder requests for improved services (electric
and water hookups to some dock slips);
* Increase occupancy, which will increase operational efficiency
by increasing revenues and reducing maintenance costs;
* Provide fishing access; and
* Improve the overflow parking area.
The floating dock system will be installed with approximately
200 slips – 125 for boats with less than 25 feet and 75 for boats
greater than 25 feet.
The contractor for the work is Bob Cummins Construction Co. of
Bradford; the docks will be manufactured by Technomarine.
Meanwhile, upgrades to the electrical and water supply systems
on shore will be completed to provide new service to the dock
slips, including the installation of underground lines and
replacement of the water storage tank. Electrical and water hookups
will be installed to 25 percent of the slips.
The Forest Service also said dock rates will be comparable to
the market rates for the area and facilities with similar services.
A rate comparison was done with Onoville, Chautauqua Lake and Lake
Erie facilities when reviewing a request for the rate
increases.
Officials said the new docks will provide additional flexibility
to respond to high and low water levels. However, the boating
season will remain dependent on water levels and the economic
viability of the marina staying open linger than the minimum period
specified in the current permit. The new docks alone will not
dictate a longer season.
Currently ongoing is the construction of a 900 handicapped
accessible fishing trail from the mud dock toward Route 59.
The project will include two modular piers with steel handrails.
The trail will be surfaced with concrete treated compacted
limestone.
Contractor for the work is M&M Contractors of Johnsonburg.
The trail is expected to be finished by mid-May 2006.
Forest Service officials said the reason for building the trail
and pier is to provide additional shoreline fishing for reservoir
users. Fish structures (Christmas trees and cribs) will also be
placed along the shoreline over the next few years to enhance
fishing opportunities.
