BDA Meets
Dec 13th
First, the not so happy news. Turns out, the FEMA paid for BC&G RR rebuilt project has hit a snag. Some of the necessary permits have not been filled out. A "Notice of Violation" was issued by FEMA and efforts are being made to get the remaining Federal permits in order.
OK, that's it for the bad. Now for the upbeat coverage
Way up above Swandale where bridge #4 was blown up during the mine war, contractors have the bridge's concrete work complete with steel work coming soon.
There are 8 miles of new ties in the ground plus 8 to 10 culverts installed on the RR rights of way.
The Buffalo Creek watershed group is set to receive $100,000 in new funds. The grant will be used to install a permanent limestone treatment station on Buffalo Creek. When treated, water quality should be good enough to keep trout healthy. If there's any left over $$$ from that liming project, left over funds will be used to, One: build a kayak access point, And, Two, clean up the trash around the old rail car just up from Dundon.
The new ERTS State Park has been in need of a Superintendent for the last 8 months. Three attempts have been made to get a person on the job. All three attempts failed. Now, new applicants include a couple of Clayonians.
A maintenance man has been hired (seasonal but full time) and will soon be on site as well a new John Deere tractor with boom.
Issues with building the new State Park headquarters / maintenance building over in Pisgah have been settled. The contractor is being selected as of meeting date. Completion date for the entire place is set for May 1st 2022.
Jumping around just a bit:
Beside the old State Road garage now owned by the BDA, there is a small block structure once used as a fuel building. That structure is minus windows and doors. Thus, locals are using the place for God knows what . The BDA voted close up the building with plywood.
A new night light will be installed beside the main building.
Leadership for the BDA includes a Chair, Vice Chair, Sec., and Treasurer. In short order, the election of officers was held with current leaders remaining at the helm. Mitch DeBoard will continue in the Chair position.
That's DeBoard hiding behind a map
With rail work to be completed in May, Chair DeBoard said he wanted a trail ride ready to go by June 1st. But but but, Mitch thinks it's time for some other group to handle the money making venture.
He said one gentlemen has a real interest in running the rail ride but health issues may be working against him.
Suggestion one: there is a group called Rail Riders which operates in 5 or 6 states that have an interest in taking over the pedal car / jitney rides. DeBoard, " We need something on it in June."
And then the real head turner.
Something that should perk up everyone's ears.
According to the Mitchster, conversations are being made with Cass Scenic Railroad to take over the BC&G RR operation including the use of a steam engine on the first 14 miles of the refurbished rails. Remember, Cass already has one of the original BC&G engine and tender . Mitch says, that engine is being rebuilt now.
Stop... think.... Talk about wonderful. Something Clayonians have wanted for the last 50 years. Can't you hear the whistle going off? All up and down Buffalo valley and into the Town of Clay, that steam whistle would be the best marketing tool hands down.
Steam trains bring in tourism by the bus load. Each of those new faces spend money, put it in the local economy.
For those that don't know, Cass Railroad as well as the Durban Rocket and the Elkins Flyer are owned and operated by a private contractor out of North Carolina where they run at least two other services down there.
Get it? They know what they're doing and could do it well in Clayberry.
Before you start poo pooing the notion, the question came up: Are the rails and ties capable of holding a huge steam engine, tender and passenger cars? From Mitch DeBoard: Yes, this will be a Class 1 rail line when completed.
What better Christmas present could this county receive than a working steam engine drawing in the crowds.
aw