Monongahela, Charleroi join river program
Monongahela and Charleroi recently became the latest communities to join the River Town Program, an asset-based community development initiative.
The program, a project of Pennsylvania Environmental Council, is based on grassroots community involvement, recognizing the river as an asset with the potential to attract visitors.
A River Town Needs Assessment is an early step in the program. During this assessment, program staff join local residents and community leaders on a walking tour of the town to evaluate its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. Participants are encouraged to look at the town with the eyes of a first-time visitor.
The Charleroi assessment was held July 25; the Monongahela assessment was held Aug. 3.
The program was launched in 2010 in six communities along the Allegheny River. In early 2011, it was expanded to the Monongahela River, with participation from Point Marion, Greensboro, Rices Landing, Fredericktown, Brownsville and California. Morgantown and Star City in West Virginia also are joining the program.