Article date: November 8, 2001

By Jay North

The Avtex Superfund site is facing a funding shortfall in the neighborhood of $7.6 million according to executive Director of the Economic Development Authority, Stephen Heavener. This report was brought to light at the weekly meeting of the Economic Development Authority Board of Directors. At the meeting, the Board viewed the Avtex redevelopment Master Action Plan, which includes a detailed listing of the projects under way and ahead at the Avtex site, as well as naming those in charge of each project, the funds appropriated and their sources.

The overall project is progressing on schedule according to FMC Site Manager Doug Bement, but the lack of funds could present a problem because the economic shortfall will affect the demolition and abatement of the power plant structure.

Board member William Barnett spoke in favor of retaining any viable strictures on the property. Heavener disagreed with the notion, saying he wold not support proposals that included keeping any of the existing structures with the exception of the former administration building.

Leaking roofs and years of neglect have left the buildings deteriorated and unsafe according to Heavener and Bement. Another problem with keeping buildings is the amount of work that needs to be done beneath them in miles of sewers and tunnels. A possible funding source for the completion of the project could be the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Bement says the ACOE is committed to seeing this project through, with the possibility of the site’s expenses being added to its annual projects budget.

Bement informed the Board that impacted soils have been found on site and will have to be removed, bringing about the need for more donor soils. A soil donor site has been established along the northen edge of the facility, near the archaeological dig, and one other is also being used to fulfill the cap and cover requirements.

Artifacts and a site history are currently being studied to determine the site’s historic uses and whether or not it will fall under a protective clause.

Dr. Ed Thorsett of Shenandoah University is overseeing the project. He will take apart in the formation of an interpretive center and public archive to be housed in the administration building, that will feature the site’s historic significance and its use by factories and corporations leading up to the current cleanup. At the meeting, the Board decided on a final name for the center, calling it the Shenandoah Center for Heritage and the Environment at Front Royal.

Another problem plaguing the Board is the Skyline Soccerplex. According to Heavener, the United States Soccer Foundation is in primary control of the project.

"We have zero control over the budget and timing for this," said Heavener.

Heavener said he is having some difficulties getting answers about the project from the Foundation, but insisted it is still interested in moving forward. Heavener will meet with the Foundation and the Environmental Protection Agency in late November to discuss details.

The Board also discussed who will take control of the conservancy park on the site. The idea of creating a park authority was brought up by County Attorney, Doug Napier at the request of Heavener. The Board members spoke in favor of the authority, but questioned whether it should fall under a Parks and Recreation site for the Town of Front Royal. County Administrator, Doug Stanley said he felt the authority would be an appropriate solution.

"I don’t think the town wants to get into the parks and recreation business again," said Stanley.