New Ideas Presented
Clay BDA Meets

   On February 10, 2019, the BDA met with a decent gathering, and many items to discuss.
   Financially, they are managing to keep above $3 thousand in the bank account, and only $693 was spent last month.
   President, Mitch DeBoard, announced Aiden Taylor (photo below, left) from the CERT Program. Aiden was invited due to the BDA interested in a trash cleanup over in the Dundon area. Mr. Taylor explained what all CERT was responsible for, and the mention of a new program they have begun. CERT would love to see all the businesses gathering together to learn emergency preparedness, and to be self sustained for 72 hours in cases of emergency.
   Travis Pauly then introduced himself. He attended to observe, and offer any help he could for the railrides. Mr. Pauly  has had 5 years of experience in railroad work.

    Next was Melody Cottrell (above , right) , and her interest in starting a kayak livery service in town. They are shooting for opening in mid May, and will be temporarily operating out of her brother’s business, Clay Recycling. Mrs. Cottrell still has a decent amount of planning to do, including finding estimates for length of the adventures, and what all they will offer. Her plans are to eventually get to a place where she can hire college students so our children will be able to return to Clay in the summer, instead of always having to leave the state to find opportunities.
   Mrs. Cottrell’s outlook isn’t to make a lot of money, but provide fun opportunities for our community to partake in, instead of looking to drugs or moving away. “I hope to offer something in the community, that is my passion,” she said. The plans are to currently operate Thursday through Sunday. More updates will be coming in the future.
   Mitch stated the BDA has received twelve RFQs (Request for Qualifications), and still receiving more. The due date for all of them will be February 28, 2020. He stated they will have only one contractor to complete all of the work. His reasons were more efficient, and different contractors will not be clashing over any of the projects. There will be two engineers though. One will be in charge of repairing trusses, and the other more focused on the slope failures.
   A rail truck was donated along with the jitney a while back, and has never been put to use yet, or voted to accept, until today. It is a 1 ½ ton truck equipped with tools, downfall is, the owner had accidentally left the keys in the truck, and killed the batteries. The BDA accepted as is, and will hopefully put it to use soon.
   Opened for discussion were discounts for the schools on the railrides. Last year, chaperons paid $20 ($5 off original price), and all students paid $15 (the price for 12 years old and under). Many wanted a further discount, but where they operate with contractors, and they only receive a percentage, they will not be able to do so, even though they would have loved to. The board had seen them work four hours, to only receive $12.50 they had to split between the two contractors they hired.

   Dustin Fitzwater wants to advertise the rides in the high school yearbook, but the issues was tabled due to the rates of the ads being lost, and no clear data on their obligations.
   A fundraising committee was put into place, Gauge Bass, Angela, and Hannah will be the active members.
   Mr. Fitzwater discussed he would like to start advertising in March for the rides in hopes of a better year. He would also like to set one day during the weekends in March to have rides. Mitch told him it would all depend if the eight to ten ties being replaced in time. They have to be replaced before they offer any rides this year.
  Dustin informed the board there are over ten thousand followers on Facebook, and foresees a good year. DeBoard also informed that the tourism committee will match the price for advertising on social media this year.
   At the end of the meeting, Mike Shamblin, mentioned a meeting for all of the businesses to gather on February 29th at 4 pm. She wants to invite all business owners, as well as individuals that are interested in opening a business.
  That concludes the BDA meeting, next meeting will be held, March 9th, 2020.
JM

Note: Here's a copy of the Request for Qualifications now in progress

Request for Qualification

Engineering Design Services  and Bid Document Services
Buffalo Creek Gauley Railroad Corridor,

Clay, West Virginia

   Sealed Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be received by the Clay County Business Development Authority (CCBDA), 300 Center Street, Clay, West Virginia 25043 up to 2:00 PM (local time) on Friday February 21, 2020 for the work described below at the location indicated in accordance with Chapter 5G of the West Virginia Code. Minority and Women Owned Business entities are strongly encouraged to submit proposals.

  Design engineering and creation of bid documents related to repairs to two (2) flood damaged railway trestles located on the Buffalo Gauley Rail Corridor that commences in Dundon WV and ends in Widen WV.

   The work is within the Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad Right of Way and involves Engineering and Design Services and Competitive Bid Documentation services required to accomplish the following project objectives.
 

   Provide Engineering Design services to return to pre-disaster (pre-June 2016) function and capacity two flood damaged trestles that span Buffalo Creek.   See RFQ package for specific details

   The repairs will be designed in compliance with, but not limited to US Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal and State Historic Preservation Programs, Federal and State Department of Environmental Protection, and FEMA Public Assistance program rules.

   All work necessary for the design of engineering repair documents and contractor competitive bid solicitation packages shall be included in the proposals whether or not specifically shown or specified within the RFQ.

Advertise RFQ …………….........……………………….JANUARY 22, 2020

Proposal Due Date.......................2:00 PM Local Time, FEBRUARY 21, 2020
      Proposal Evaluation………………………………………. FEBRUARY 24, 2020

The Request for Qualification packet is available upon request from:
Clay County Business Development Authority
PO Box 57
300 Center Street
Clay, West Virginia 25043
304-663-2739
Mitchell DeBoard, President
bdaclayco@yahoo.com

Each Proposal must be enclosed in a sealed envelope and addressed as follows and shall be clearly labeled “FEMA Trestle Project”:

Clay County Business Development Authority
PO Box 57
300 Center Street
Clay West Virginia 25043

Bidders must comply with the Presidents Executive Order no 11375 Amending Executive Order 11256 relating to Equal Employment Opportunity.

The CCBDA reserves the right to reject any and all proposals for any reason whatsoever.

No Proposal may be withdrawn for a period of forty-five (45) days after the above date and time for receiving bids.
 

Fulfillment of WV requirements relating to MBE/WBE utilization are strongly encouraged.  Proof of attempts to fulfill these requirements will be required.

BY ORDER OF THE CLAY COUNTY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

DATE – JANUARY 22, 2020
Mitchell DeBoard, President?
 

ADDENDUM # 1 – APPLIES TO BID RECEIPT DEADLINE:

Request for Qualification Engineering Design and Bid Document Services Buffalo Creek Gauley Railroad Corridor, Clay West Virginia (TRESTLES)

PLEASE NOTE THAT PROPOSALS WILL BE RECEIVED UP TO 2PM FEBRUARY 28th.  REVIEW OF THE PROPOSALS WILL OCCUR ON SATURDAY MARCH 2, 2020.

ADDENDUM # 2 – APPLIES TO OPTION SITE VISIT

 The Clay County Business Development Authority will provide an opportunity to any interested party to view the two rail trestles that are the focus of the RFQ. Interested parties is defined as representatives of any entity having been emailed an RFQ by the CCBDA.   CCBDA requests all participants of the site visit notify CCBDA via email reply  if they plan to attend and the anticipated number of participants.

A visit to both the Sand Fork Trestle and the Mine War Trestle will be conducted on Monday February 24th , 2020.  Participants are requested to wear sturdy boots / footwear as the ground is not suitable for sneakers or dress shoes.  Due to the remote location, please wear proper weather appropriate jackets and clothing.  This site visit will not be cancelled due to rain.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY SNOW ON THE TRACKS WILL CAUSE CANCELLATION OF THE SITE VISIT.  THE ALTERNATE DATE OF THE SITE VISIT WOULD T BE WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26TH SNOW COVER PERMITTING.
 

SITE VISIT INFORMATION:

MEET AT CCBDA OFFICES IN CLAY WEST VIRGINIA MONDAY FEBRUARY 24 2020 AT 9:00 AM.  PLEASE BE PROMPT.  OFFICES ARE LOCATED AT 300 CENTER STREET, CLAY WEST VIRGINIA 25043.

End of Addendum #1
 

    _____________________________________________________________________________
 

 Request for Qualification
Engineering Design  and Bid Document Services
Buffalo Creek Gauley Railroad Corridor,
  Clay, West Virginia

Sealed Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be received by the Clay County Business Development Authority (CCBDA), 300 Center Street, Clay, West Virginia 25043 up to 2:00 PM (local time) on Friday February 14, 2020 for the work described below at the location indicated in accordance with Chapter 5G of the West Virginia Code. Minority and Women Owned Business entities are strongly encouraged to submit proposals.

Design engineering and creation of bid documents related to repairs to the  trail corridor segments along the Buffalo Creek Gauley Railway corridor that were flood damaged.  The trail  commences in Dundon WV and ends 15 miles east toward  Widen WV.

The work is within the Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad Right of Way and involves Engineering and Design Services and Competitive Bid Documentation services required to accomplish the following project objectives.

Provide Engineering Design services to return to the trail segments identified within the RFQ to pre-disaster (pre-June 2016)  function and capacity.   This will include Geo-Technical expertise. See RFQ package for details

The repairs will be designed in compliance with, but not limited to US Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal and State Historic Preservation Programs, Federal and State Department of Environmental Protection, and FEMA Public Assistance identified program.

All work necessary for the design of engineering repair documents and contractor competitive bid solicitation packages shall be included in the submitted proposals whether or not specifically shown or specified within the RFQ.

    Publish RFQ...............................................................................January 24, 2020
    Proposals Due.............February 14, 2020 2PM (Local Time) at CCBDA Offices
    Review and Evaluation.............................................................February 17, 2020

    The Request for Qualification packet is available upon request from:

Clay County Business Development Authority
PO Box 57
300 Center Street
Clay, West Virginia 25043
304-663-2739
Mitchell DeBoard, President
bdaclayco@yahoo.com

Each Proposal must be enclosed in a sealed envelope and addressed as follows and shall be clearly labeled “FEMA Trail Project”:

Clay County Business Development Authority
PO Box 57
300 Center Street
Clay West Virginia 25043

Bidders must comply with the Presidents Executive Order no 11375 Amending Executive Order 11256 relating to Equal Employment Opportunity.
 

The CCBDA reserves the right to reject any and all proposals for any reason whatsoever.

No Proposal may be withdrawn for a period of forty-five (45) days after the above date and time for receiving bids.

Fulfillment of WV requirements relating to MBE/WBE utilization are strongly encouraged.  Proof of attempts to fulfill these requirements will be required.

BY ORDER OF THE CLAY COUNTY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
DATE – JANUARY 22, 2020
Mitchell DeBoard, President
 

ADDENDUM # 1 – APPLIES TO BID RECEIPT DEADLINES AND OPTIONAL SITE VISIT SPECIFIC TO:

Request for Qualifications Engineering Design and Bid Document Services Buffalo Creek Gauley Railroad Corridor, Clay West Virginia.  (TRAILS SEGMENTS AND SLOPE FAILURES)

PLEASE NOTE THAT PROPOSALS WILL BE RECEIVED UP TO 2PM FEBRUARY 28th. REVIEW OF THE PROPOSALS WILL OCCUR ON March 2, 2020

ADDENDUM # 2 – APPLIES TO OPTIONAL SITE VISIT

 The Clay County Business Development Authority will provide an opportunity to any interested party to view the TRAIL AND SLOPE FAILURES that are the focus of the RFQ. Interested party is defined as representatives of any engineering entity having been emailed an RFQ by the CCBDA.   CCBDA requests all participants of the site visit notify CCBDA via email reply if they plan to attend and the anticipated number of participants.

A guided site visit to the rail corridor will be conducted on Monday February 24th, 2020.  Participants are requested to wear sturdy boots / footwear as the ground is not suitable for sneakers or dress shoes.  Due to the remote location, please wear proper weather appropriate jackets and clothing.  This site visit will not be cancelled due to rain.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY SNOW ON THE TRACKS WILL CAUSE CANCELLATION OF THE SITE VISIT.  THE ALTERNATE DATE OF THE SITE VISIT WOULD BE WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26TH SNOW COVER PERMITTING.

SITE VISIT INFORMATION:

MEET AT CCBDA OFFICES IN CLAY WEST VIRGINIA MONDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2020 AT 9:00 AM.   OFFICES ARE LOCATED AT 300 CENTER STREET, CLAY WEST VIRGINIA 25043.

End of Addendum #1