By Fred Pace
Kevin Wickey says conservation work is important.
“It’s important work to help our communities become prosperous and good place to do business,” said Wickey, a state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. “It’s important work to invest in infrastructure and to conserve resources.”
Conservation officials, citizens and community leaders gathered Friday at Beckley Praise Church for the dedication of the Little Whitestick Creek flood control project.
“It’s a great time to thank the people who work hard to make these complex projects come together,” Wickey said. “These dedication events also propel us forward. When we stop and appreciate what we have accomplished, we begin to imagine what else is possible.”
The project is one of several flood control projects in the Piney Creek watershed plan, which includes the Soak Creek, Cranberry Creek and Little Whitestick.
In the 1960s, citizens of Raleigh County began to organize efforts to seek relief from flooding along the many streams of the Piney Creek watershed. Floodwaters from these streams inundated thousands of homes and many businesses, officials said. These waters also damaged roadways, bridges and utilities.
Thanks to the efforts of the West Virginia Conservation Agency, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation, the City of Beckley, the Southern Conservation District and support from many lawmakers, the Piney Creek watershed project became a reality, Wickey said.
The Soak Creek channel project was completed in two phases, beginning in 1983 and being completed in 1990.
Cranberry Creek channel project construction started in the fall of 1995 and was completed in the spring of 1998.
The Little Whitestick Creek project has been completed in three phases, beginning in June 1999 and completed in late 2007.
Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., says protecting citizens and businesses from flooding is money well spent.
“A lot of people have put in a lot of hard work to see this project to its completion,” Rahall said. “It shows what can be accomplished with local, state and federal governments working together. That is vital to get projects like this done.”
Beckley Mayor Emmett Pugh says better controlling stormwater is something the city has always supported.
“We are happy to sponsor flood control projects like this one,” he said. “They really make a difference.”
John Wooton, Becky Floyd and Loren Rice were all recognized by the Southern Conservation District for outstanding service to the project.
Paul McGraw, SCD supervisor, was also honored with a plaque for his personal dedication to the completion of the Piney Creek watershed plan.
“Paul has given an untiring effort in the planning and installation of this project,” state Agriculture Commissioner Gus Douglass said.
Douglas spoke at the event and presented McGraw with his honor.
Officials with the SCD said, along with local, state and federal sponsors, work is continuing by adding an additional phase to the Whitestick Creek project, which will address flooding concerns along Robert C. Byrd Drive.
— E-mail: fpace@register-herald.com
