NOVEMBER 3, 2017
THE CORNERSTONE PROJECT
Fort Gay, WVA — On Saturday October 28, 2017 the Startup of a clean-up project in Fort Gaybegan at the former Fort Gay Elementary School and the round building over the hill.
Those who volunteered and were on hand at Saturday’s cleanup were:
Fort Gay Mayor -Joetta Hatfield
Councilman William Thompson and Son Randy Thompson
Wayne County Farmers Coop; President – Patrick Fluty and members Garland Christian, Benny Dillon, Lacy Davidson, Ron Little, Co-op member and staff of the Wayne County BOE – Lois Little.
Wayne County EDA Associate Director- Parks Ferguson and Executive Director Don Purdue
“Thank you to everyone who came to the Fort Gay cleanup today. The Round building is looking great! I feel Blessed to live in a community with such amazing people who care about their home and want to see great things happen here!” Parks Ferguson, Associate Director of Wayne County Economic Development, said.
Phase 1 of the project:
The project is to convert “The Round Building” and former playground into a farm and aggregation center operated by Refresh Appalachia, a social enterprise of the Coalfield Development Corporation in partnership with the Wayne County Farmers Cooperative.
The Proposal Consist of:
1. Aggregation point
2. Basic washing, processing and packing
3. Storage for tools and equipment
4. Office and conference room for Refresh Crew
Refresh is currently aggregating Wayne County Farmers Coop grown products for sale to a variety of markets.
Phase 2 of the project: (*)
Converting the Large Grade School Building into the Following Functions:
Larger Aggregation center and added processing room
Additional Food Production
Classrooms for trainings and workshops
Fresh and Local food Marketplace and small dining area
Commercial Kitchen
Office space
*( the proposal functions for phase 2 are subject to change. Those options are currently under evaluation .) ( Phase 1 however is pretty well set and cleanup is ongoing)
On October 31 the announcement was made by Wayne County Economic Development Authority of WVA, that Transcanada has contributed $10,000 toward the Cornerstone project .
More “The Cornerstone” details , information and progress on construction will come as they develop.
Story and Photos by Tammy S. Napier
