There are lots of exciting things taking place in Helper and Mayor Lenise Peterman was happy to take a moment from her busy schedule to speak over the telephone with Castle Country Radio about the city’s River Restoration Project.

“We’re super excited to be looking towards Phase Six which will take us up to Gigliotti’s Pond; there’s a 12-foot man-made diversion that we want to return to a more natural state to allow for human and fish passage,” stated Mayor Peterman. This portion of the restoration project is the city’s most ambitious phase that is going to run about $2.3 million. The city still has $1 million of outstanding grants that will help fund this phase of the project but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, those funds have yet to be awarded at this time.

There are several elements involved in Phase Six which is located near Gigliotti’s Pond, as Mayor Peterman explains, “We’re actually looking at redoing the parking lot, the public restrooms located there. Like I said we’re getting rid of that 12-foot man-made diversion and returning it to a more natural state. Extending the river walk up that way so you can get a little further north. So it’s really like I said our most ambitious phase to date.” The city wants to establish a start point for visitors to enjoy the walkway along the river as they make their way to Main Street from Gigliotti’s Pond. This phase is key in helping tie together the previous phases of the River Restoration Project.

In other news, the city, along with the organizers from Helper Arts, Music and Film Festival recently announced that they would not be hosting the annual event this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “When we moved into the yellow phase the state published specifically festivals and events guidelines that they put forth; we just felt like, you know, it would be tough for people coming to town to adhere to those measures,” said Mayor Peterman. The decision was not made lightly and the city is sad that the annual event will not be taking place this year but it is the best choice right now. City officials, as well as organizers from the Helper Arts, Music and Film Festival, are looking forward to a great festival for folks to enjoy in 2021.

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