Pictured is the view from the current overlook in Scott County. The Lee County overlook will be located on the opposite side of the highway, and will focus on the region toward Kentucky.
The board promptly approved the decision to “move forward” with the enhancement project termed the Powell Mountain Overlook Project.
Board members agreed to provide the required 20 percent of the total project cost, in order to match the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Enhancement Grant Application. The application will be submitted by December 2009.
The funds provided will go to plan and design an overlook on the Lee County side of Powell Mountain, which will furnish a view looking north toward Kentucky.
Lee County’s Community Development Director Tim Long addressed the board last week about the project. He stated that the overlook would be more “historically accurate,” because it would better show the region in which Daniel Boone originally traveled — in comparison to the Scott County overlook. Long also claimed that the overlook would be a premier attraction for tourists and a big boost for local economy.
Funding for the project will also go to upgrade the existing overlook on the Scott County side of Powell Mountain — with improvements being made to the drainage system, as well as constructing new sidewalks and providing picnic tables.
The board’s agreement with VDOT ensures that the project will be developed in accordance with all state and federal requirements for design, right of way acquisition, and construction.
As part of the agreement, the Lee County Board of Supervisors will be held responsible for all overlook maintenance, upkeep and operating costs, because the county facility will be constructed with Enhancement Program funds.
The total cost of the enhancement project is $250,000. The project will not begin until early 2010, and all construction allocation procedures will be in accordance with the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
Interpretive signs describing the history of the two counties and a Crooked Road wayside display have also been approved for the overlook area at this time.
Adam Young is a Staff Writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted by e-mail at ayoung@middlesborodailynews.com.
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