What Could Have Been
March 15 2023

   Ever make the wrong turn on a no turn back road? Maybe late some evening realize a gigantic screw up that can't be undone?
Here's our scoop.
In Nov 2022, the Elk River Foundation came to the struggling Central Appalachian Empowerment Zone (CAEZ) seeking they donate, give away, "gift" the Dundon Campground to the Foundation. Foundation rep Ken Tawney had a caveat: available grant $$$ will be awarded soon and the supply is short. Translation: The Foundation has to have a decision right away.... like that night.
   In a historic seven to three decision, during a Nov 2022 emergency CAEZ Board meeting, they donated the entire 9 acre parcel to the Foundation.
Part of the deal included, the Foundation had assurances that they would receive a $1M+ grant to rebuild the campground and IF they didn't get the grant, the Foundation would give back the campground to the CAEZ.
Sounded perfect.
   With fresh money to rebuild, enlarge, organize, and market the Dundon Campground, County Clay's tourism initiative had a head start on growth. Great!
During that Dec 2022 meeting, thinking he had a deal ready to go, Elk Foundation rep Ken Tawney handed out the list of improvements planned by the Foundation. During that Dec 2022 meeting, minus a vote by the Board, CAEZ Chair Mickey Boggs single handedly decided, nope, she would not allow the campground giveaway. The deal was off! She made the decision not the Board.
The place went ballistic. It was like Santa coming back a day later and taking back all the good toys.
Published just below is that list of projects the Foundation planned to fund if given the campground. As he stated back in Nov. those easy dollars are NOW spent somewhere else. Clayberry got lost in the dust. Just think how nice the struggling campground could have been.
Thank you Mickey Boggs for setting County Clay back into the bad ole days.
   Read the March 2023 CAEZ meeting coverage for the very latest.