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Clarksville
Economic Development Association
CEDA was
formed in 2002 as a quasi committee
under the umbrella of the Clarksville Ruritan Club. When hydroplane
racing returned to Clarksville in 2004, it was sponsored by
Ruritan-Clarksville Economic Development Association. While this relationship was beneficial to both CEDA and the Ruritan Club,
supporters of CEDA felt it was time to branch off from the Ruritan Club and
incorporate CEDA into a separate entity.
A special meeting was held
on October 26, 2005 with the Rurtian Board of Directors and supporters of
CEDA to discuss this. By a unanimous vote of all present, it was agree that
CEDA would branch off on its own. CEDA has since been incorporated and
has an active board of directors and many members working to make this race
a major event on the hydroplane circuit.
The Clarksville Hydroplane
Challenge is on the top of the list of CEDA projects. This list
includes educational youth programs such as the
J-Boat project and the lighting of the local bridge.
Membership is open to anyone who has an
interest in helping with the race and other projects that will help to
improve the economic atmosphere in and around Clarksville. There are
no membership dues.
Please
contact CEDA for more
information about the organization, membership, or the Clarksville
Hydroplane Challenge.
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CEDA's
mission is to
create high quality, family oriented outdoor recreational
events that address the quality-of-life needs of the region. Through
these activities CEDA also intends to support local, regional and national
programs that enhance the positive growth and development of today's youth,
including select organizations that promote an awareness of the need for
good stewardship and preservation of America's natural resources for future
generations. |
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The Clarksville Economic Development Association (CEDA) is
incorporated as a non-profit organization under the US Internal Revenue
Section 501(c)(3) and is managed by a seven member board of directors.
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Bridge Lighting Project
Virginia’s only lakeside town
now has yet another one-of-a-kind designation; and this time it is a first nationwide. Just before sundown on Wednesday, March 29,
2006, the
Clarksville Economic Development Association (CEDA) “flipped the switch” on a
project that has been underway for a couple of years. The Highway 58 Business Bridge entering
Clarksville was illuminated when 76 iridescent lights were
turned on for the first time, offering anglers a new nighttime fishing
experience.
(Photo by Valerie Garrison)
The idea of lighting the
bridge has been tossed around for a long time, but the lack of room to mount
traditional streetlights on the bridge meant that innovation would be
needed. After two years of planning, lots of cooperation from the
Coast Guard, the Corp’s of Engineers, and the Virginia Department of
Transportation, and thanks to contributions of both time and money from many
community members, the installation of the lights began late in 2005.
The bridge lights are
comprised of two rows of iridescent green lights installed on each of the
19 bridge pylons, one row above the lake water, and one below. The
Hydro
Glow Fishing Lights are manufactured in Dawsonville,
Georgia. The glow of the
underwater lights will attract millions of tiny feeder fish which then attract the larger game fish, thus creating a unique nighttime fishing
environment. The set of lights above the water provide motorists
traveling on the new Highway 58 Bypass Bridge a striking view leading
into Downtown Clarksville.
Buggs Island Lake/John Kerr
Reservoir has been home to many fishing tournaments sponsored by such
organizations as Virginia B.A.S.S. Federation, Southern Crappie Association,
Bobcat’s Bait & Tackle, and FLW Outdoors during its 52 years existence.
With the addition of the new lights, Clarksville is the premier
location for nighttime fishing activities and tournaments and the only
location in the country with this unique feature.
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