The Susquehanna River once was the major source of prosperity for the riverfront communities of Columbia, Marietta and Wrightsville.

Those three boroughs now hope to hearken back to those glory days by creating new gateways to the river, as well as business and cultural opportunities.

"Over the centuries that Columbia, Wrightsville and Marietta have existed as communities, the river has been central to their economy," Mark Platt, president of the Lancaster-York Heritage Region, said Thursday morning.

"That has lessened over the last 50 years … and the economic fallout of that has not always been to the benefit of these communities."

Platt and several other local officials unveiled a heritage development strategy for the river towns region during a morning news conference at Columbia Market House.

"Once again," Platt said, "the river will be the savior of these communities."

Claire Storm, president of Rivertownes PA, said the last joint effort to revitalize the region began in 1986 and led to the construction of the Susquehanna Valley Visitors Center just off the Columbia exit of Route 30.

Community leaders then also recommended reopening the Columbia Market House — which finally happened in 2005 — as well as expansions and improvements to the area's existing recreational and educational facilities.

"Many things have changed since then," Storm said. "It is time to renew and rethink what we want for our communities — and what is practical and affordable."

The Susquehanna is the area's "strongest visual amenity," she said. "The Rivertownes plan focuses on this magnificent gift we have in our own backyards."

The five key goals outlined in the strategy are:

• Position the river towns as thriving gateways to the natural beauty and recreation amenities of the Susquehanna.

• Strengthen connections between the towns and the river, physically and in terms of community identity.

• Bring the centers of these historic towns back to life.

• Retain distinctions between the river towns and the surrounding agricultural and natural landscape.

• Heighten understanding of the history and heritage of the river towns.

Specific pilot projects outlined Thursday are aimed at enhancing the entryways to the three communities.

Jonathan Pinkerton, deputy director of the Lancaster-York Heritage Region, said the initial projects "can be achieved relatively soon" to begin building enthusiasm for the region.

Gateway projects include enhancements to Columbia's riverfront parks, a pedestrian pier overlooking the historic bridge supports, and upgraded streetscapes and lighting through town; improvements to the Gay Street portion of Marietta and connections to the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail; and improvements to the Wrightsville side of Veterans Memorial Bridge and the South Front Street Park.

Pinkerton said they're also hoping to establish a Main Street/Elm Street program for all three boroughs. If approved by the state, it would be the first such program to cross municipal borders.

Overall, he added, the boroughs plan to implement joint heritage programs to do a better job of interpreting local history for tourists.

Although funding has not yet been secured for the project, Pinkerton said that "when people really believe and leaders get together … the availability of funds is rarely a problem."

For more information on the plan, visit the Lancaster-York Heritage Region online at www.storiesoftheland.com.

Besides the three boroughs, the plan also encompasses the neighboring communities of Washington Boro, Long Level and Accomac.

E-mail: tknapp@lnpnews.com