What we want to cover: 

We would like a feature article [1800-2500 words, selection of photos and information to help create an info graphic ], that covers a day in the life of a lock tender and a barge captain who use and depend upon the lock infrastructure on a daily basis. The writer should also discuss and document  (and provide a sidebar describing) the upcoming restoration process (see below*) through interviews and/or site visits with representatives from the Pittsburgh District Army Corps of Engineers.

Who might be the best person:

Those who have an interest in history, particularly related to navigational infrastructure and the shipping industry. The contributor will ideally visit all three locks and spend at least one day interviewing individuals who operate locks and barges on the Upper Ohio River. The writer should be comfortable conducting dynamic interviews and be able to translate this information through effective storytelling to keep a reader’s interest. We may assign a separate photographer for this story, but if you are a competent photographer please also let us know.

What to Cover/Emphasize in the Story:

  • the day-to-day activities that surround the operation and use of locks on the Upper Ohio River, told through personal stories and interviews with lock tenders and barge captains
  • history of the Emsworth, Dashields, and Montgomery Locks (in a general form) and their typical use
  • status and plans of the locks’ restoration through the Upper Ohio Navigation Project

If you are interested in writing this feature story for Pennsylvania Magazine, please contact Matt Holliday at [email protected] with an overview of why you’re the best one for the assignment (if we haven’t worked with you, references and tear sheets are requested).

*The Army Corps of Engineers’ Pittsburgh District has a proposal to restore three historic locks built on the Upper Ohio River in the 1920s and 1930s. These are the Emsworth, Dashields, and Montgomery Locks, all three of which were built between 1919 and 1936 and underwent major rehabilitation in the 1980s. Since this infrastructure is so critical for navigation and shipping along the Ohio River, the present Upper Ohio Navigation Project, currently in the engineering and design phase, is expected to restore the locks and extend their operational life through 2074. For more information on the project please see the related PDFs.

Upper Ohio Navigation Study