“This is one of the most significant economic development initiatives in our county’s history,” said Dr. Jo Harris, Bridgemont CTC president. “Those of you in this room have been critical to this vision.”

In more than 20 years in the economic development field, Judy Radford, executive director of the 4-C Economic Development Authority, called the Boy Scout undertaking “absolutely the most unique project I’ve been involved in.”

Task force members recognized during the ceremony included Radford, Dave Arnold, Frank Jorgensen, Ed Maguire, Steve McGowan, Don Striker and Moses Zegeer.

The planning group honorees included Guy Dooley, Beth Epperson, Al Gannon, Carl Harris, Gary Hartley, Janet Proctor, Matt Wender and Sen. Randy White.

McGowan, of Steptoe & Johnson, said landing the multi-million dollar scouting reserve to Fayette County involved many hours and the work of numerous individuals, groups and agencies. Striving to embrace scouting’s legacy of service to the community and nation, McGowan said behind-the-scenes planners “became a team.”

“This is going to be a local development project every step of the way,” he stressed. It also helped that officials found a “jewel piece of property” at Garden Ground, McGowan added.

The Boy Scouts of America announced last June that West Virginia had beaten out 28 other states for a $100 million National Scouting Center and high adventure base. The BSA’s National Scout Jamboree will also be held in Fayette County.

James Skidmore, chancellor of the state’s community and technical college system, said the scouting center will allow participants to “get to see that (New) river, get to see the gorge, and see what Fayette County has to offer.” He pledged his system’s assistance in workforce development and other areas.

James King, of Bridgemont CTC, briefly discussed his scouting experience. “I have memories I wouldn’t trade for a million dollars,” he said. “I cannot thank the group that put this together enough.”

Steve Keenan, Staff Writer

The Fayette Tribune

March 1, 2010