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mahatmakanejeeves

(61,045 posts)
Tue Dec 27, 2016, 10:41 AM Dec 2016

Boy Scouts support daily Amtrak service for National Jamboree in WV next summer

Boy Scouts support daily Amtrak service for National Jamboree in WV next summer

By Brad McElhinny in News | December 26, 2016 at 2:00PM

brad.mcelhinny@wvmetronews.com

@BradMcElhinny

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Boy Scouts of America organization is getting on board with support for daily service on Amtrak’s Cardinal line, citing the transportation need for the National Jamboree at Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. ... “I know I speak for all when I say that enhanced service would be a welcome addition offering the possibility of increased ridership and visitors to the New River Gorge,” wrote Michael B. Surbaugh, chief scout executive for the Boy Scouts of America.

MORE: Read the letter from the Boy Scouts of America

A push for daily service for Amtrak’s Cardinal, which runs between New York and Chicago, has been taking place in communities along the line. The Cardinal serves West Virginia stations in White Sulphur Springs, Alderson, Hinton, Prince, Thurmond, Montgomery, Charleston and Huntington.

Earlier this fall, supporters from communities along the Cardinal line gathered at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce in an effort to get the ball rolling. The Boy Scouts had representatives at that conference. ... “As such, the BSA is aware of the obstacles to the Cardinal running daily on a permanent basis,” Surbaugh wrote in a letter of support to Charles “Wick” Moorman, president and chief executive officer of Amtrak. ... “However, the Jamboree period next July provides a unique opportunity to attract visitors to travel by train to the Jamboree and the New River Gorge area. I hope Amtrak will consider the opportunity to to take advantage of the Jamboree window to operate daily service on the Cardinal and to work with local tourism representatives to maximize this unique opportunity.”

The Boy Scouts letter was copied to Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito, both of West Virginia; Congressman Evan Jenkins, who represents the southern part of the state; current Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin; Governor-elect Jim Justice; and to Amy Shuler Goodwin, West Virginia’s tourism commissioner. ... The letter notes that the National Jamboree, which is held every four years, will take place again in the summer of 2017 in Mount Hope, Fayette County. ... In 2019, the Summit will be host to the World Scout Jamboree.
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