THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 16, 1994 TAG: 9407150018
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
Churchill Downs is excited about the possibility of building and operating a horse racetrack in Virginia Beach - Princess Anne Downs. We extend our 120-year tradition only to projects that will enhance our reputation for excellence.
The past 24 months, staff and consultants have spent countless hours working to make certain everything is in order with our license application in front of the Virginia Racing Commission.
From Day One, we have been cognizant of the Lake Gaston pipeline's uncertainty and resolved to make Princess Anne Downs completely independent of any Lake Gaston decision.
The front-page headline on June 24 stated that Churchill Downs' efforts may be impeded by the Lake Gaston environmental study. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Clearly, this is an error by the headline writer, not the reporter. Unfortunately, broad journalistic assumptions develop a life of their own.
Correspondingly, confusion has been created among our business, community and political supporters. They cannot understand why we say the Lake Gaston pipeline isn't an issue for Princess Anne Downs, only to see front-page headlines that it is.
Here is a brief chronology outlining Princess Anne Downs' independence from the Lake Gaston pipeline:
1. Churchill Downs makes a personal, non-negotiable goal to be 100 percent independent of Lake Gaston.
2. Spring 1993 - a site evaluation included water sources other than city service.
3. Summer 1993 - the determination to pursue an independent water supply was made.
4. Pre-application meetings with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) were held.
5. Preliminary studies indicated adequate groundwater is available.
6. Oct. 6, 1993 - application was made to DEQ for a ground-water withdrawal permit.
7. Application was processed and determined by DEQ that a draft permit should be issued.
8. May 27, 1994 - public notice and commend period ended.
9. May 31, 1994 - DEQ notifies Churchill Downs that no adverse comments were received and no public hearings will be required.
10. No additional action is required by DEQ until completion of the facility, and then only appropriate inspections and testings of the system.
11. DEQ final permit will be forthcoming.
Thank you for the chance to explain to your readers and to all the people in Hampton Roads who support this project how Princess Anne Downs has secured water necessary at all racetracks.
THOMAS H. MEEKER
President and CEO
Churchill Downs
Louisville, Ky., July 2, 1994 by CNB