Since the Landing concept was announced, the Chamber has been working with the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Canal Corridor to find a suitable location for a facility, which will fit in with the D&L's existing network of landings. These centers, which include the Two Rivers Landing in Easton, highlight the journey of anthracite coal from its place of origin to market. They help to explain how coal fueled the industrial revolution, prompting such undertakings as the creation of the steel industry and the canal and rail system. Barrouk continues, "Since the Susquehanna River and the communities along the river play so prominent a role in that story, it seems only fitting to have a facility along the river that also fits into plans this community has for the levee and overall riverfront revitalization and the American Heritage Rivers initiative. The Landing concept is also designed to make a significant contribution to the Downtown area - acting as a catalyst for revitalization. As an information center, it will provide directions on attractions and places to visit, dine and shop in the area. As an entertainment center, it could be integrated with other concepts which may be housed in the facility, such as a large screen, IMAX-type theater, interactive exhibits on science and technology, a simulated journey into the region's past or even a trip through a fiber optic line or to a high tech wafer manufacturing facility, for example. The Landing will allow visitors to discover more about our history, our natural resources, our Downtown area and the important role this region has and continues to play in the national economy."

Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) said, "The Irem Temple is the ideal location for the Susquehanna River Landing, and was my first choice when the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Canal Corridor approached me about developing a landing for downtown Wilkes-Barre. It is a landmark building in a perfect location across from the river, and I am pleased to join the state, county and city officials who are working with the leadership of the Irem Temple and the Chamber to make the project a reality. I will continue to work to obtain additional federal funds to bring this excellent project to fruition."

The Irem Temple organization has been discussing the concept of using the building with the Chamber for the last two months. Last week, their membership issued a vote of confidence in the project, indicating that they would allow negotiations to begin regarding the landing. Discussions to date provide for continued use of the facility for Irem Temple functions. According to Senator Charles D. Lemmond, Jr., "The restoration, preservation and expanded use of the Irem Temple Mosque will undoubtedly have a dramatic effect on improving the quality of life in the Wyoming Valley and all of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and will prove beneficial to both he community and the Irem. We're delighted to participate."

Preliminary concepts have been developed for the Landing project by the architectural firm of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. They have been working (on a voluntary basis) in conjunction with volunteer Larry Newman of Urban Workshop - a local planning firm. However, in order for the project to proceed, comprehensive financial, architectural, engineering and programming studies must be conducted. Chamber volunteer Jerry Lisman, who chairs the Landing Steering Committee, states, "The Landing, in conjunction with what is happening in and around our River, gives our community an opportunity presented only once in a lifetime. This announcement is the first step in making this project a reality. Now, we have to conduct the additional research necessary for the creation of a project blueprint, along with specific cost breakdowns. We expect that the feasibility studies will start this summer, officially beginning our journey into the future."

Members of the Steering Committee currently working on this project include Jeff Ferro (Parente Randolph Orlando Carey & Associates), Pat Kobela (Best Western East Mountain Inn), Nancy Lavan (Offset Paperback), Marge Lee (National Museum Consultant), Jerry Lisman (NatMark Group) and Joseph Persico, Esq. (Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald). Lisman continues, "The real key to making this significant project and overall riverfront development happen will be cooperation and a common vision from all of the parties involved. We are working with Congressman Paul Kanjorski, Governor Tom Ridge, our legislative delegation, Luzerne County and the Board of Commissioners, chaired by Tom Makowski, Mayor McGroarty, Wilkes-Barre City Council and leadership from area municipalities and environmental groups. Working together, we can take advantage of the tremendous opportunities which are now available to this community."

Wilkes-Barre Mayor Thomas McGroarty adds, "The creative use of this facility combined with plans for the riverfront are added steps in the revitalization of the Downtown. This project, along with job creation projects like Commonwealth Telephone Company, GUARD Insurance and ALLTEL, highlight the Downtown as a quality place to live, work and visit."

Commenting on the reasoning behind the creation of a River Landing center, Barrouk continues, "Part of the success of a Downtown area depends upon a region's ability to attract people there to live, to work and to participate in available entertainment and recreation options. The Susquehanna River Landing is a key part of that third component that we need to bolster our Downtown and our region. We have outstanding opportunities today to redefine our riverfront and our community, and we feel that this project will be an integral part of that."

Contact: Donna Sedor at 570-823-2101