The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE — Clifton Forge is moving closer toward beginning a project to improve the dam at the town’s water reservoir.
The dam is part of a system that provides public water to Clifton Forge, eastern Alleghany County, Douthat State Park and a few households in Botetourt County.
The dam is located at the watershed of Smith Creek. It was built in the late 1940s. Plans for improving the dam have been in the discussion stage for several years.
Tuesday night, town council took action toward financing the project to improve the dam’s infrastructure.
Council unanimously approved a resolution approving $2.8 million in interim financing from CoBank, which is part of the U.S. Farm Credit System.
Council will use loans and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development to provide permanent financing for the project.
In a related measure, council approved a separate resolution Tuesday night that approves the financial arrangements through Rural Development.
Town Manager Darlene Burcham said all costs related to the interim financing through CoBank will be recovered once the Rural Development funding is finalized.
Work on the dam could begin in May and take 12 to 13 months to complete. As part of the project, the town has arranged a land swap with the U.S. Forest Service to obtain necessary easements.
In her report to council Tuesday, Town Manager Darlene Burcham said the recent frigid weather has put a strain on the public works staff.
She said public works employees have incurred problems with frozen water lines, pipes and other issues related to the cold weather.
“They get out there sometimes without even being called that there is an issue,” said Burcham.
She urged the public to take the time to thank public works employees for their work.
Burcham also praised volunteers for their work behind the scenes in Clifton Forge.
At Tuesday night’s meeting, Clifton Forge Main Street Inc. recognized Janet Spearman for her volunteer work.
Spearman, who moved to Clifton Forge from South Carolina a few years ago, was named Main Street’s Volunteer of the Year for 2018.
Her volunteer work includes the Alleghany Highlands Heritage Day and Railway Festival, the Historic Masonic Theatre, the Clifton Forge Public Library, Douthat State Park and helping to provide food to the needy.
The Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center was the winner of Main Street’s Storefront of the Year for 2018. Buddy Carter accepted the award for the Arts and Crafts Center.
Carter, a retired educator, is in charge of window displays at the Arts and Crafts Center. He also volunteers his time to several other areas of the center, including serving as a cashier and helping set up exhibits.
“Sometimes, I?don’t think we realize how much we depend on volunteers to get things done,” said Councilman Bob Umstead.
Councilman David Oeltjen agreed, saying: “Volunteers are kind of the unsung heroes in this town … my appreciation goes to the people in our community who get out and volunteer.”
Umstead provided a brief update on the Lower Roxbury Street Rehabilitation Project.
Umstead said rehabilitation work on four homes has been completed. Work is under way on another eight homes, he said.
The project, which is being funded by a Community Development Block Grant, could be complete by July.
At its Jan. 9 meeting, council appointed Umstead to the Roxbury Oversight Committee.
