Belle Vernon council OKs Mon River Town program

The initiative promotes tourism in municipalities along the Mon River.

Belle Vernon Council approved a resolution Wednesday to join the Mon River Town program, which provides support for Mon Valley communities.

Council unanimously approved the resolution, and Mayor Gerald Jackson stated that it would greatly benefit the borough. One of the program’s aims is to increase tourism in the area.

“People don’t realize how much tourism comes through here,” Jackson said. “Almost anybody who comes from the west comes through this town and through the next town to go to Fallingwater and Ohiopyle.”

The Mon River Town program is an initiative by the National Road Heritage Corridor that works to improve the quality of life for communities along the Monongahela River.

The program also hopes to help preserve the river ecosystem and help local businesses.

Some of the benefits of becoming part of the program include access to grants, help with marketing and promotion and the opportunity to network with other communities. Under the program, communities can become part of the Mon River Valley Coalition, which provides networking events, workshops and other collaborative work for officials.

“You’re not going to believe how many people are not aware of the river towns and what the river does for our communities,” Jackson said, “with tourism, fishing and especially with the new locks and dams. It was an important thing because it was a means of transportation.”

DEP hearing update

Jackson provided an update to council members about a recent DEP hearing regarding a permit request from the Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill that could result in the discharge of leachate into the Monongahela River.

Jackson said he’s happy about the turnout at the hearing and the number of people who spoke at the event. Jackson and the borough have been dealing with the landfill for a long time.

However, the mayor expressed disappointment with the lack of officials from local school districts and municipalities. One of the municipalities he mentioned was Rostraver Township because the landfill is located within the municipality.

“There was not one representative from Rostraver Township at that DEP meeting,” Jackson said. “And the next question is why? They don’t care. They didn’t care. I didn’t see them there.”

Jackson said he had also hoped to see representatives from the Belle Vernon Area and Monessen school districts due to their proximity to the landfill.

“Monessen High School is within a quarter mile of that creek,” he said. “If you come out of their soccer field right there at the top of the hill, you’re in that creek. I’m disappointed Monessen school board didn’t send anybody either.”

In other business, the Southwest Regional Police Department and the Belle Vernon Fire Department received comfort bags from the Belle Vernon Rotary Club. The comfort bags are intended to be given to families who face major incidents.

The bags include toiletries, blankets and other items that might be essential in an emergency. The items come in a duffel bag that can be used to pack other items.

Council also announced that the Belle Vernon Easter Egg Extravaganza will take place at 2 p.m. April 12 at Brewer Stadium.