| Partnership Leads to 4C Economic Development Success with Boy Scouts |
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Partnership Leads To 4C Economic Development Success With Boy Scouts GLEN JEAN, West Viriginia, Nov. 19, 2009 — To the hundreds of people gathered Wednesday at the Glen Jean Armed Forces Reserve Center, it was joyous news that just needed confirmation. All rumors were put to rest when Boy Scouts of America Vice President Jack Furst took the podium. “The cat’s out of the bag,” Furst told the crowd. “It’s all coming to West Virginia.” Furst and a slate of national and West Virginia officials gathered at the armory center to officially announce and unveil plans for a new National Scouting Center to be located in Fayette County. The crowd’s cheering escalated as Furst added the announcement that the BSA has selected the West Virginia Scouting Center as the new home of the Scout’s National Jamboree, beginning in 2013. The National Jamboree will be held this year in Fort AP Hill, Virginia. The 10,600 acres of land near Oak Hill and Mount Hope along the New River Gorge will become the BSA’s fourth high-adventure outpost, featuring outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, rock climbing and mountain biking. The 4-County Economic Development Authority (4C EDA) is proud to have contributed to the partnership effort of many people and organizations in securing the Boy Scout center in Southern West Virginia. "The story behind this project is one of true partnership," Furst said. "This new site would not be possible without the Bechtel family, the State of West Virginia, Fayette County, 4C Economic Development Authority, the National Park Service, and dozens of others who have played such an instrumental role in making today a reality." In addition, Fayette County Commissioner Matt Wender reminded the audience that hard-fought preservation of the natural amenities in the New River Gorge and the ongoing, progressive support of organizations in pursuing diverse models of economic development was key in making the BSA base a reality. The center will be known as “The Summit: Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve.” Engineer and leader of the international contracting firm that bears his name Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr., was present and spoke at the ceremony Wednesday. Bechtel donated $50 million from his family’s foundation to make the Scouting Center possible, the largest donation ever in the history of the BSA. By Reid Williams |