Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 13, 1993 TAG: 9307130195
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
The project, which could be a reality in two to three years, also would revive a nearly 3,000-foot section of the Wilderness Road, a trail trod by early settlers as they moved westward through the New River Valley.
It would allow visitors to take the route traveled by pioneers and traders between the current site of "The Long Way Home" outdoor drama amphitheater off First Street (Virginia 232) and Ingles Tavern on the Pulaski County side of the river.
By a unanimous vote Monday, council approved in concept a resolution that endorses the Ingles Ferry-Wilderness Road transportation enhancement project and asks the Commonwealth Transportation Board to consider it for funding.
Radford is seeking $170,000 in Federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act money to plan and build the two-phase project. The cost includes the city's $34,000 share, $5,000 of which would be in-kind contributions of professional services and property easements.
Plans call for developing an interpretive walking trail along the path of the Wilderness Road near "The Long Way Home" on Radford's east end. The project would re-establish an 18th-century ferry connection - 600 feet across the New River - between Radford and Pulaski County.
It would involve about 36 acres in Radford and seven acres in Pulaski County, most of it privately owned.
The proposed attraction would share parking and rest room facilities with "The Long Way Home." It also would tap into long-range marketing plans of the outdoor drama to boost attendance from fewer than 5,000 to 20,000 visitors a year.
"This is the first step in developing a facility . . . that would pay for itself," planner Steve Via of the New River Planning District Commission told council. He said if the project were to attract just 1 percent of the Interstate 81 traffic that passes less than a mile away, it would be worthwhile.
Bud Jeffries, an Ingles family descendant and present owner of "The Long Way Home" site, said the project had considerable economic potential, especially in boosting tourism.
"We've got to have a way to bring them here," he said.
Jeffries, who's also on "The Long Way Home" board of directors, said the trail and ferry project would portray "the very essence of pioneer life" for visitors.
"People can actually go live it," he said.
Retired Radford University History Professor Ed Jervey told council the project "would be a fantastic draw" for the university community, including students and their families.
Paul Steele, whose family owns property on the Pulaski County side of the project, also endorsed the plan, but said he'd like more details on any property easements that would be involved. Steele said he'd like to make sure the easements address liability issues and restrict trespassers to his family's satisfaction.
Council's action also set July 26 as the date for a public hearing on the project, a requirement to the funding request. City Attorney John "Bunny" Spiers advised council to withhold formal approval of the resolution until after the hearing.
Via said the city's application must be submitted by Aug. 1.
by CNB