ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, April 25, 1997 TAG: 9704250027
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-12 EDITION: METRO
That Eagle Rock won't lose its lifeline is a result of both government responsiveness and community activism.
TELLING his driver to take him over the rickety bridge that is Eagle Rock's lifeline - and lately, its claim to fame - may have required of Gov. George Allen a smidgen of courage.
But he had little else to fear this week when he crossed the bridge over the James River and rode into the "little, loud town." Previous news of a replacement bridge all but ensured a warm welcome for the governor.
The existing bridge, built in 1933 and scheduled for demolition, is the town's most direct route to U.S. 220 and the outside world. Until recently, there was to be no replacement. The estimated cost - $2.5million - was deemed too much to serve (and, in the view of many, to save) a community of about 300.
But in March, the Botetourt County supervisors agreed to spend $1.25million to split the cost of a replacement bridge.
Why? Because the folks in Eagle Rock didn't take it lying down when state officials decided not to replace the old bridge.
They met and wrote and generally raised hell until somebody noticed. Result: the state-county funding partnership and reversal of the decision.
Allen, as part of a statewide tour, came Tuesday to see what else Eagle Rock residents had to say. "Just to see the higher-up government folks talking about [the bridge] gives you more faith in the system," one said.
Well, yes. But credit goes also to the loud, proud people of Eagle Rock for responding not with cynical resignation but with constructive engagement.
LENGTH: Short : 36 linesby CNB