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November 25, 2009

Gordon County commission votes to proceed with battlefield project

Lydia Senn, Calhoun Times

The Gordon County Board of Commissioners has voted to move forward in an agreement with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to construct the Resaca Battlefield Park.

During a special called meeting held Nov. 20, they signed a letter of intent with the DNR that would allow the county to gain control over $3.4 million in state funds to create the Resaca Battlefield Park.

Originally, the DNR was helmed with the responsibility of creating the park and visitors center. However, according to a statement made by David Freedman, Chief Engineer of the Department of Natural Resources at a prior meeting due to the state’s economic situation the park was not a feasible endeavor.

The county will now be responsible for maintaining the park, keeping it staffed and setting up exhibits. The county will also be allowed to profit from the park by charging admission.

According to Commissioner Dick Gordon, the county will cut costs by having memorabilia on loan from members of the community and from the Historical Preservation Society.

Gordon also believes the battlefield park will be a thriving destination in Gordon County.

“This gives us an opportunity to put a road into Gordon County,” said Gordon.

While the park will have eventual economic benefits, commission Chairman Allen Long says he feels the county has been pushed into the project.

“I think we don’t like the fact the state has forced Gordon County into the situation we are in,” said Long.

The state offered the county the funds with the understanding that county and the city of Resaca would have to contribute a combined $1 million to construct a road into the park area. The City of Calhoun has agreed to provide water services and power lines to the site.

Long said if the county could not gain a bid under the $3.4 million cost estimate, the program would not move forward.

“I do think the Resaca Battlefield is a worthy project,” Long said.

The approval of the letter of intent was voted in 3 to 1 with one abstention.



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