Plans to restore a public boat launch in Leetsdale have hit some choppy waters.

The borough had hoped to upgrade its recreation site along the Ohio River near the Hussey Copper property in the industrial park after approving a deal last month.

The launch has been closed since the original concrete slab broke off in the 1990s, causing a safety hazard.

Council unanimously voted on March 13 to award a $94,000 project to Verardi Landscape LLC of Pittsburgh. They were the lowest of six bidders. The bids ranged from nearly $94,000 to more than $256,000.

Last year, Leetsdale acquired a $228,000 state Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund grant through the efforts of Allegheny County and the Quaker Valley Council of Governments.

The original concept was to create a 20-foot-wide-by-32-feet-long concrete launch.

Verardi Landscape’s $94,000 bid also included $27,000 for asphalt paving of the area leading into the launch. That was a project council voted down in February after it was expected to cost the borough about $50,000.

That would now be covered by grant funds, as would the relining of an existing Americans with Disabilities Act parking space.

Borough engineer Dan Slagle said the project was bid out as a “unit price contract,” which gave the borough the ability to increase the scope of the project using the unit prices that were bid.

The project was, indeed, changed shortly after the March meeting.

The width of the launch was doubled to 40 feet.

A larger launch would make it easier for anglers to move boats in and out of the river simultaneously, if necessary, as well as provide other benefits.

Borough officials also considered installing a permanent restroom on the site, which would be paid for by any remaining grant funds.

The restroom project was estimated at about $70,000.

“We had all this money left over and wanted to use it,” Slagle said.

However, Allegheny County Economic Development officials rejected the additions and advised the borough to rebid the project.

“The borough’s engineer provided incorrect bid sheets with incorrect measurements for the concrete boat launch that did not align with the agreed-upon project scope,” according to a statement from the ACED on April 15. “This resulted in bid totals that were much lower than the overall (tourism fund) award amount.”

Slagle reiterated the contract’s use of unit pricing when asked about the county’s comments.

“The county is used to lump sum contracts, which usually escalate the project costs,” Slagle said.

He said the project will be rebid with a different scope. It will now include the wider launch, paving project and ADA parking. Restroom plans were withdrawn.

Slagle said he spoke with Verardi Landscape about the original contract no longer being valid, and the contractor does plan to rebid.

Bids are due by April 24.

The hope is to award the revamped project on May 8 and have construction start in June.

Boats may be launched as early as August, weather permitting.

Council Vice President Osman Awad, who has pushed for the boat launch restoration for quite some time, said he trusts in the engineer’s abilities to make the site great for skippers and fishers alike.

“We’re going to adjust it a little bit and make it work,” Awad said. He plans to host a variety of fishing tournaments when the launch is ready.

Other boat launch news

Council unanimously voted April 10 to seek requests for proposals for a boat launch master site plan.

Council President Maria Napolitano said the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will review the requests before it is sent out.

The plan, which will be funded through a $15,000 DCNR grant, is expected to help guide the borough on future launch site upgrades beyond restoration.

“I have sent the document in (to DCNR) and should hear back in a couple of weeks,” Napolitano said on April 15. “Then it will be published and we look to start receiving bids.

“I would like to see the boat launch area to be the best it can be. Our book launch area is the only public access across level ground in northwest Allegheny County where a boat can be launched downriver,” Napolitano said. “The primary goal would be to use the space efficiently to accommodate and encourage visitors to the area, including boaters, rowers, fishermen and walkers who want to observe nature and enjoy fresh air.

“This is where I hope a consultant can help — to create a design for the plan, so we can use it to help get additional grant funds for necessary improvements.”