Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Project's First Phase Dedicated

A few short months ago Gurdon's new high school complex was dedicated.

More than 400 residents attended the ceremony and toured the new facility.

In January, 1996, the first class set foot in their new home, with the inaugural graduating class ready to take the commencement exercises May 17.

Friday, April 26, the formal dedication of the first phase of the Gurdon Rural Water Project was held -- appropriately at the Cabe Student Center at the new GHS.

Gurdon Mayor Rick Smith acting as MC, welcomed all present and thanked them for coming.

However, there was a pall cast on the festivities as Friday was also the day State Representative Gerald Hendrix was buried.

Hendrix was recognized by many of the speakers for the work he did in his freshman year in the House.

State Representative Percy Malone spoke first, saying the water project is the result of a lot of work by a lot of people who wanted to make things better.

"This shows local, state and federal officials can work together," Malone said. "Now, we have a project we can be proud of.

"This will help in the recruiting of good paying jobs to the area, and will encourage people to live here."

Malone said prospects will view this segment of the project, as well as the overall undertaking as a commitment from the community to better life for all.

He praised those who worked diligently to make the first phase a success.

Bobby Smithson, superintendent of the district, said the school is indebted to many people, especially Charles Summerford, project engineer, who thought of jumping on the city's coattails to get the school's part done, and getting placed on the front burner of the project.

"Without you," he said of those who volunteered to help, "we (the school district) would have had to foot the bill for water and sewer. We wouldn't have five buildings here now.

"This is an example of what people can do when they work together."

State Sen. Mike Ross reminded those on hand projects such as this begin on the local level with people having a need.

"The local people are to be congratulated," Ross said. "They made it happen.

"With all the governmental entities involved, this is a good indication of how government should work, and can work for the people."

Clark County Judge Grady Runyan was next up. He told the audience without vision people perish, and lauded the people of Gurdon for having the foresight to envision the project and get the first phase completed.

"Rural water used to mean a bucket and a rope," he said. "I've been there.

"A lot of people were involved in this project, and I'm glad to have had a part in it. This is the culmination of people working together, and is a proud day for Clark County as well as Gurdon."

Summerford reminded those on hand the project actually began five or six years ago when people in the outlying areas of Gurdon came forward with the need for a consistent and safe water supply.

With their help, he said, the preliminary applications were made. Meetings were held, tests were made, surveys were done, budgets were compiled and more meetings were held.

In the end, the project was divided into two phases. The first phase was to connect the new GHS to water and sewer lines so classes could be held in the facility.

Phase II is also underway, with easements being procured so plans can be drawn.

"The important thing is," Summerford said, "the school and people get quality water they can depend on and have adequate fire protection. That's what it's all about."

He continued saying though $430,000 has been spent on phase I, it can't be seen. This is because everything is underground, with the exception of the pumping station.

Summerford praised the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission and the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission for their assistance in getting this first step completed.

Turning to the topic of phase II, Summerford said 280 easements have already been signed. Hopefully, he said, three-fourths of the project can be bid in July. This, though, will depend on how many easements are actually obtained. According to Summerford, 85 percent of the easements must be recorded and certified to let bids.

However, 100 percent of the easements must be procured before contracts can be signed.

Claudine Forte, project manager with the AIDC, said the funding came from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

"By working with other agencies and those here, this was possible. We appreciate the residents of Gurdon and look forward to working with you on phase II."

Ann Morrison, construction finance officer with the ASWC, said her agency was glad to help with the interim financing.

"This is one of my first projects," she said. "I have met and worked with great people. I'm impressed with the cooperation of the people of Gurdon, the companies and agencies involved. You'll be a hard act to follow."

Theodore Eldridge was the final speaker. Eldridge is the director of rural utilities for the Rural Economic Community Development (RECD), formerly Farmer's Home Administration.

"This is what's unique in Arkansas," he said, "the cooperation of agencies.

"It's unique how Arkansas works with federal agencies and is a model for the rest of the nation."

Eldridge said there are applications for $113 million for water projects alone in the state. Water has been identified as the area where there is the greatest need.

He said the state's federal officials, Rep. Jay Dickey, Sen. Dale Bumpers and Sen. David Pryor, are working to make sure every home in Arkansas has a safe and adequate supply of water by the year 2000.

"In projects like this," Smith said, "you find out you're dealing with real people in government agencies."