Harpers Ferry Potomac Street Revitalization
The Harpers Ferry Foundation and the Town of Harpers Ferry are undertaking an exciting project to revitalize the historic Potomac Street corridor in the heart of the townÕs historic district. The project is underway, but we still need $200,000 in additional support from the State of West Virginia, private sector and individual contributions, and other key stakeholders in order to move this project toward successful completion.
Potomac Street is the location of part of the historic federal armory, John BrownÕs fort, and is one of the most visited heritage tourism destinations in the region. However, Potomac Street is badly deteriorated and in need of improvement. The Potomac Street revitalization project will restore deteriorating sidewalks, improve street stormwater drainage, underground unsightly utility wires, resurface the street, and rebuild the historic Federal Armory Wall as a central heritage tourism feature. According to the StateÕs report The Economic Impact of Travel on West Virginia 2000-2008, Jefferson County already leads the state in the multi-billion state tourism industry, with $729.3 million in total annual travel spending, 7000 jobs, and $190 million in state government revenue. The Potomac Street Project will build and expand this economic engine for the state.
The key, current phase of the Potomac Revitalization project will cost $1,667,000. Harpers Ferry has received the following commitments:
However, Harpers Ferry cannot succeed without additional funding support. The $1.334 million Federal grant requires a match of $333,450 Ð which exceeds the annual budget of the Town. Potomac Street is not protected by the preservation umbrella of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. While the Town has succeeded in obtaining $132,000 of this match, Harpers Ferry must still obtain an additional $224,250 for the project.
However, we cannot succeed without additional funding support. The $1.334 million federal grant requires a match of $333,450 Ð which is a little less than the annual budget of the Town. While we have already obtained $132,000 of this match, the project still requires an additional $200,000. We must meet the match by July 1, 2010 or the project could be in jeopardy. We are seeking the support of WV Governor Joe Manchin, WV Secretary of Transportation Paul Mattox, the WV state legislative delegation, local town and county governments and other key parties to ensure that the $1.4+ million in resources already obtained does not go unused, and that the Potomac Street Project can succeed. Potomac Street is not protected by the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. We must preserve it ourselves, and we are requesting contributions toward the remaining $200,000 that is required for the match.
We ask for your generous donation by completing the contribution form. Please specify the Potomac Street Project.
For more information, contact Mayor Jim Addy at hfmayor@aol.com or the FoundationÕs Al Alsdorf in Harpers Ferry at hfgh@comcast.net
