ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, April 23, 1997 TAG: 9704230036
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: DUBLIN
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER THE ROANOKE TIMES
State delegate announces campground initiative and funding.
State funding for a campground to be located in Pulaski County along the New River Trail has been announced by Del. Tommy Baker, R-Pulaski County.
Up to $800,000 to buy and develop the site could be available from the sale of Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach, depending on appraisals required by the state. The state declared Camp Pendleton as surplus property, and it was bought by the city of Virginia Beach.
"This major expansion of the New River Trail State Park will increase utilization of the park and add to tourism revenue for surrounding areas," Baker said, with no new tax dollars being spent. It will be funded by shifting state resources from an urban to a rural area, Baker said.
Negotiations on acquiring the property are under way, Baker said, but timing of the project will depend on how long the purchase takes. He said the purchase is likely to be completed by fall. Baker would not elaborate on the location of the proposed campground.
The development will benefit Pulaski County and the surrounding area, he said.
"We should see an increase in utilization of other state and private recreational facilities, and localities should receive more in meals and sales tax revenues due to increased tourism," Baker said. "Additionally, a stronger case for more state road funding and tourism advertising dollars will be made. The project should be good news for all of our district."
Baker had worked to secure funding for this project through the last three legislative sessions. He said he also wants to push for completion of the trail into the town of Pulaski, which he got included as part of the 1991 bond issue for state parks.
The New River Trail is a 57-mile linear state park that follows an old railroad right of way from Grayson County to Pulaski County. The park was created a decade ago when Norfolk Southern donated the unused railroad bed to the state. The ownership of a small portion of the trail is still under negotiation.
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