ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, January 13, 1996 TAG: 9601150034
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: PULASKI
SOURCE: NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
Pulaski's Finance Committee will meet just before Tuesday's 7 p.m. Town Council session to make a recommendation on seeking a federal grant to restore the Draper Mountain Overlook and Wayside.
Pulaski County closed that overlook on U.S. 11 atop Draper Mountain in 1994 because of trash-dumping problems and the generally poor condition of its trails and facilities.
But the county obtained the services of Virginia Tech's Community Design and Assistance Center for a master plan for renovating the historic site. The plan was completed last June.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation plans to seek a grant to implement the plan from the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Enhancement Act, designed to help fund alternative kinds of transportation. The town is being asked to support the application.
The town will have to contribute to the project if it supports the plan, but that can be through work by the towns Public Works and Engineering Departments rather than in cash.
The town's administrative staff has recommended approval of the plan. Renovation of the overlook and wayside fits in with the town's tourism segment in its economic development program.
It would also add to the attractiveness of a major town entrance, closest to the town's renovated train station depot housing the Raymond Ratcliffe Memorial Museum, Visitor Center and county Chamber of Commerce. The New River Trail State Park will be extended to the depot from its present end-point just outside town, and it could later be extended to the wayside.
The town's Public Operations Committee will also meet prior to the council session, to discuss American Electric Power's request for an easement to move a power line at Macgill Park.
The town has been filling in a depression at the recreation park east of the soccer and football fields, which will not leave enough clearance for the existing line. It would be moved to a point behind the Villa Beauty Salon north of the park. The town staff has recommended approval of the easement.
Council is expected to act on both matters Tuesday.
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