Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Forest Service says Grindstone Campground bids received, federal funds secured for rebuild
Summary
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area representatives told Smyth County supervisors a bid opening on April 24 produced 15 contractors for Grindstone Campground repairs; the Forest Service said roughly $5 million in federal funds are available and a year‑long construction contract is expected, with the aim of reopening the campground when work completes.
Ed Wright, area ranger for the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, briefed the board on efforts to repair and reopen the long‑closed Grindstone Campground. Wright said the Forest Service held a bid opening April 24 that attracted 15 contractors and that the project is a small‑business set‑aside in his region.
“We had a bid opening on April 24, and we had 15 good contractors,” Wright said. He described a 100% design for a new wastewater treatment system and said the Forest Service secured the funding—drawn from earlier federal sources, including the Great American Outdoors Act and disaster supplemental funding—totaling roughly $5 million to $5.0M plus contingency for the work.
Wright outlined site work plans including lagoon retirement, electrical upgrades (50‑amp RV hookups), potable water repairs, new gravel pads and picnic facilities, and a local beautification contract to clear brush and restore campsites as construction proceeds. He said the awarded contract will include a year‑long timeline but that crews may finish earlier; the Forest Service will return with updates after bid opening and contractor selection.
Wright also described broader disaster recovery road repairs and upcoming agreements with state agencies that could improve coldwater hatchery operations and fisheries support in Smyth County.
