Ribbon Cutting
July 20 2021
It was a big day
for glad shakes and hugs over in Dundon. Today was the
official ribbon cutting ceremony for the $5.7 million BC&G
RR rebuild project. Somewhere upwards of of 70 people were in
attendance under blue skies and moderate temps. Dignitaries
from everywhere were busy smiling and being seen and
heard.
The Great Wash Out of June 2016 destroyed long swaths of the old railroad rights of way. After a multi year battle, FEMA finally came around and provided the $$ to get the aging BC&G line back up to railroad standards. Bids were opened last month and one contract was awarded for the entire project including replacement / rebuild of four trestles. The contractor, CTW from Virginia, has 300 days from July 15th to complete the Herculean effort. His job includes replacing over 13,000 railroad ties.That amounts to replacing every third tie for nearly 19 miles.
The Great Wash Out of June 2016 destroyed long swaths of the old railroad rights of way. After a multi year battle, FEMA finally came around and provided the $$ to get the aging BC&G line back up to railroad standards. Bids were opened last month and one contract was awarded for the entire project including replacement / rebuild of four trestles. The contractor, CTW from Virginia, has 300 days from July 15th to complete the Herculean effort. His job includes replacing over 13,000 railroad ties.That amounts to replacing every third tie for nearly 19 miles.
While we hate to
admit it in public, the central cog, the spark plug, has been
and continues to be, Business Development Authority Chair,
Mitch DeBoard.
Speakers today provided shout outs to all those behind the scene volunteers who came together and helped with the pull.
Speakers today provided shout outs to all those behind the scene volunteers who came together and helped with the pull.
Governor Jim
Justice was on hand, sorry, Baby Dog, did not make an
appearance. From Justice: Everyone has put in a lot of licks
to make this happen... I am very proud of everyone...
The 2016 Flood was very rough... it was the biggest waste in
my life ... All of us held together... We are continuing the
rebirth of West Virginia ...We now bringing goodness back
today ...West Virginia is a true diamond in the rough.
Commissioner Fran
King told the attendees: Back in the 80's and 90's, coal
was booming; that's not the case now; the loss of taxes has
really hurt this county; the trail is boosting our economy;
good people are coming into the county to enjoy ERTS; the
hikers, bikers, and horseback riders are spending money and
causing no problems.....the BDA has worked really hard to make
ERTS happen.
One of the speakers
expressed that we are already seeing a difference in the
economy. Once upon a time, Saturdays in downtown Clay,
everything was dead, no people, no traffic. This year, more
people can be seen walking around the Town and driving in
these parts. The long skinny State Park will impact all
the counties along the Elk River.
Harvey Stone, Engineer CTW Head Honcho
We have a couple
nuggets
Two years ago when the Gov was here to mark up for another ceremony and after traveling the tank trap riddled road over to the Dundon ball park, Justice said he would get the road "fixed".
Today, the Gov was asked about his earlier promise. His reply? He said other places in Clayberry have been worked on. He made no commitment to follow thru with the earlier promise. His road to prosperity must not extend to Dundon.
And, we've been calling the hiking trail , "ERTS". When the State officially made the place a state park, we decided to call it ERTS State Park.
So.......... what is the real name? According to the W Va Tourism Director on hand today, it's official, this is "Elk River Trail State Park". It's now ERT. We like ERTS better
Finally, lots of folks were on hand for today's big shoe. Noticeably absent were County Commissioners David Schoolcraft and Connie Kinder. Their absence was noticed.
AW
Two years ago when the Gov was here to mark up for another ceremony and after traveling the tank trap riddled road over to the Dundon ball park, Justice said he would get the road "fixed".
Today, the Gov was asked about his earlier promise. His reply? He said other places in Clayberry have been worked on. He made no commitment to follow thru with the earlier promise. His road to prosperity must not extend to Dundon.
And, we've been calling the hiking trail , "ERTS". When the State officially made the place a state park, we decided to call it ERTS State Park.
So.......... what is the real name? According to the W Va Tourism Director on hand today, it's official, this is "Elk River Trail State Park". It's now ERT. We like ERTS better
Finally, lots of folks were on hand for today's big shoe. Noticeably absent were County Commissioners David Schoolcraft and Connie Kinder. Their absence was noticed.
AW