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.

 

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.

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. 

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.