Indian Ridge Industrial Park

The Indian Ridge Industrial Park is located near the McDowell -Wyoming County line in Puncheon Camp Branch in proximity to and on the west side of State Route 16.

The initial step in the project, which was completed in December 2002, involved earth moving, which created approximately 300 acres of level land well out of the flood plain for housing and commercial development. The Coalfields Expressway (under construction)and King Coal Highway will intersect at the Industrial Park's boundary.

This site has been chosen by the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a preferred alternative for the location of a prison.

Pope said that she was impressed most of all with the dedication and commitment of local leaders. Their vision, she said, is "headed in the right direction.
" The Mt. View auditorium and future in-school health clinic, she added, are also "most impressive."

Pope said that she first became familiar with the are through her periodontist father, who one had a satellite office in Gate City, Virginia, and had patients from Welch. Even before becoming the ARC presidential appointee, she said she had heard of the warmth of local citizens.

"I've felt so welcome here," she said. "I'm honored to be here on behalf of President Bush and to see the improvements and progress. It's good to see the role the ARC has played in helping the people of McDowell to help themselves."

(Excerpted from the Welch News Oct. 20, 2004)