Clark Construction Hosts Housing Meeting

Officials from Clark Construction had good news for the standing-room only crowd at the Welch Library afternoon Employment and real estate opportunities will abound when the construction crews move to town in October.

Clark Construction has the design/build contract for the new Indian Ridge Federal Prison. Clark Construction Vice President Dave Young joined County Commissioner Carl Urps and EDA Director Rachel Lester in encouraging the local residents to prepare for the opportunities now. Young said he expects construction crews to be on site by October 9.

“Don't wait until they're actually here to take advantage of the opportunities, or you'll miss the boat,” Lester said. “Prepare now.”

Young said it will take from two years to 30 to construct the prison. The construction crews, he said, will need housing and all the other things that go with it while they are in the area. If the crews can't find what they need while they are here, they'll be forced to look outside the county.

Young advised those who have houses or trailers for rent to fill out a special real estate form that describes what they are offering. The simple one-page forms are available at Welch City Hall or the McDowell Economic Development Authority Office. The EDA is in the process of creating an inventory of available real estate.

The EDA is located behind the DMV Office at 92 McDowell Street, Suite 100 , Welch , WV 24801 (phone 436-3833).

In addition to the rental and sales opportunities that the influx or workers will create, Young said that additional employment opportunities will also be available for county residents.

In that regard, Young said that Clark Construction has an Expression of Employment Interest form that is available through the EDA. Local residents are advised to fill out this preliminary form and turn it into the EDA as soon as possible. As soon as the preliminary form is completed, Clark Construction will mail the official employment form back to the person listed on the preliminary form.

Young noted that carpenters, masons, plumbers, general laborers, electricians and many other types of workers are needed. Young said that the subcontractors who work with Clark Construction generally try to lure as many local people as possible.

Toward the end of the construction phase, Young said Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees will begin to move into the area.

“Typically, three months after the construction is complete, the prison will be open,” Young said.

The influx of BOP employees will create an additional need for permanent housing, Young said.

On related notes, McDowell County now has a new local realtor, Judy Nystrom, Welch. As the only official realtor, Judy represents ZAFERATORS Real Estate and will be showing houses for local residents and from the inventory that the EDA is creating. Judy may be reached at (home) 304-436-6662; (cell) 304—320-6276; (office) 304-254-0972.

Those who need help in learning how to become a successful first time landlord now have the option of special training provided free by TBAI VISTA Volunteer, Becky Abel.

With three decades of real estate under her belt, Abel's classes will deal with such topics as rental applications, credit checks, lease agreements, rent collection, property management, tax returns, maintenance and repairs, and expense statements.

To register for the classes, phone Abel at 585-7419.

--Cathy Patton (Welch News)