EPA is called DEQ in Virginia. Department of Environmental Quality. No project over 10,000 square feet involving disturbance of existing ground conditions in Virginia can go to construction without a permit from them.
If school board just approved the contracts for design and construction last fall, design has barely even begun at this point. The engineers have barely had enough time to get survey data back to begin design. If this is indeed the case, construction will not begin before 2025. What was once a 6-month process to get from field survey to construction is now 18-months. Especially considering most state agencies in charge of review and issuance of necessary permits to go to construction are still working from home.
I'm not involved in the Tazewell County projects but I've been directly involved in a number of turf installations over the years in other localities.
All I can tell you is drive by Graham high school. Work began 1st week of January. It will be complete by summer.
I applaud your enthusiasm but my 25+ years of experience in the engineering world tell me, everything reasonable goes out the window when design and construction involve state and federal agencies.
Tree removal, sediment basins, and retaining walls all require DEQ permits before construction can begin. DEQ review of construction plans is a minimum, 9-month process. More often than not, it's longer. If they require changes to the plans, the calendar starts all over again.
You are correct. They've had the money for 2 years for the Graham project. The reason it had not started before now was the state and the EPA. Work in Bluefield has begun. Work in Tazewell and Richlands was approved by school board in the fall. Contracts are approved and should start soon.
I thought the Tazewell project included moving and modifying the visitors bleachers along with a new track which will require more expansion. I'm not certain about the depth of the Graham project I'm sure it will take longer.
They are having to cut trees and work on the drainage pond as well. Tazewell I think involves a retaining wall. Either way shouldn't be long.
I hope I'm wrong I really do because it could be a great addition but judging by the things I'm seeing out there currently and the pace up at Graham I'd be shocked if we aren't wondering when they are starting still in July or August. I just don't have my hopes up.
Lots more work to do at Graham. Tazewell shouldn't take nearly as long,
Most of this is complete rubbish. First when you do a true financial assessment Tazewell County comes out way ahead renting Mitchell Stadium. It costs way more in primary and secondary costs to have a stadium. Think insurance, security, utilities, maintenance, etc. Second. Graham and Bluefield alternate first pick for games. Last year Bluefield had to move two dates to accommodate Graham and Graham had to move one date. Next season there are once again three conflicts. If that remains Graham will move two and Bluefield one. There was a time 25 or so years ago when neither paid rent. It is true at that time Bluefield always got first pick. But when Graham started paying rent that they insisted on equal access to dates and the home side. They were granted those requests. Third. Is Graham going to pay rent for the one home game with Bluefield every other year? Is Graham just going to let Bluefield be home every year and use WV Referees and rules? Is Graham going to let Bluefield be home every year and let Bluefield keep all of the gate receipts instead of splitting the gate every year like they do now?
Now having said that the soccer field issue is a valid point. The soccer team generates almost no revenue so it does make sense to look for an alternative to the gouging the soccer complex charges.
You might think it's rubbish, but it's not. Bluefield WV is not fiscally responsible which is why the rent keeps raising. When the turf was put down in 2007 the city of Bluefield was charging 35k a year in rent. That money from tazewell and mercer county school boards were supposed to be put in an account that was 70k yearly for turf replacement. I was told that personally by the director of parks and rec. When it came time to replace the turf the city had spent the money and had to get the money from the schott foundation. Then they raised the rent more. Not to mention they take 20% of concessions from the band. They arent going to miss Graham. They have BU and BSU now. You can doubt it if you wish but it's going to happen.
Mitchell Stadium, despite its history and popularity contest victory, has always been a money pit for Graham and TCPS. Graham could have already had a stadium but they just had to play up there. They arent even the first pick for games. Its Bluefield High School's stadium. It's like living in the same house with woman whose previous husband lived there, never does feel like yours. They always had the perfect setup at the high school but never built it. Play the Beaver/Graham game at Mitchell and have your own home
I heard if Graham gets a stadium that the funding will need to come from the community. There are no funds allocated from the school board, town, or county. I wonder what price tag we’re looking at and if enough donations can be collected to make it a reality.
Yes, on Richlands field, get the color right time, lol.
I've heard the money will be found. It's just a matter of time now. I was told between mitchell and the soccer complex they've paid in excess of 80k. You could keep paying that......or invest that into your own facility. Besides......they just hit us hard on property taxes. There will be money.
What I find funny is how Graham people go whining about horns and then bring their own and blow it when Union is lined up to snap. But I am not complaining.
Wow......what a game. What an environment. 2 great programs, 2 great traditions, 2 great fan bases. Hate to see someone had to lose. Fortunately it was our day. But the Union Bears are a great team and you had a great season. Looking forward to more next year. Nothing but respect.
I'm not calling out who it is but know them personally and he is in the know with all Graham affairs. I knew about the injuries Graham had last year with the broken leg weeks before.
Believe what you want, I know what I know and now on to next fri/sat
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Updated football fields
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All I can tell you is drive by Graham high school. Work began 1st week of January. It will be complete by summer.