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The Star conducted interviews and filed an open records request for documents related to the Surf Betsy project. Here is a brief look at what we were told and uncovered:

What is Surf Betsy?
Surf Betsy is the name given to a proposed development — often called a “whitewater park” — that would attract whitewater recreation enthusiasts and offer various levels of whitewater challenges and event-oriented opportunities. From all accounts, the project originated at least eight years ago with the Elizabethton IDEAS Group, an informal community advocacy group. The City Council formally appointed the Surf Betsy Advisory Board in September 2019.

Why Would the City Want It?
Two rivers — the Doe and Watauga — offer a rich environment for such a park, and the city already has public land along those two rivers. Outdoor recreation is a relatively untapped revenue source as a significant public and private revenue stream. Elizabethton and Carter County have a limited inventory of flat acreage and infrastructure assets to attract manufacturers. Developing Surf Betsy and marketing that attraction with other outdoor recreation assets — such as The Tweetsie Trail, Watauga Lake, Hampton Watershed Mountain Bike Trail, and The Appalachian Trail — could create significant revenue.

Where Are the Proposed Sites?
There are three sites, and each would offer different levels of challenge for enthusiasts, as well as development prospects for amenities.

• “The Secret Spot” is like an island in the Watauga River, and the development would likely include the 23-acre brownfield site on Cherokee Park Drive that was once eyed as a state fish hatchery site.
• Riverside Park is a nearly 7-acre strip of land along the Watauga River on West Riverside Drive.
• River Surf Spot, a site near the Covered Bridge on the Doe River.

What Is the Cost?
In June 2022, River Restoration gave the following preliminary estimates: “The Secret Spot,” $3,012,398; Riverside Park, $2,034,489; and Covered Bridge River Surf Spot, $3,659,407.

How Would It Be Funded?
A funding strategy has not yet been developed, but an online search shows some communities have issued bonds to help finance similar projects, while the city of Roanoke is constructing a $5.6 million whitewater park using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Where Would the Revenue Come From?
RiverRestoration cites different revenue-generation models, but most offer indirect revenue, such as receiving fees from concessionaires, permits, and leases. Other revenue is ancillary, such as state and local sales tax revenue from participant and spectator spending.

PROJECT PHASES

Here is a brief look at the five phases of project exploration/development used by RiverRestoration, the Carbondale, Colo., firm the city has contracted with for the Surf Betsy project.

Phase I: Opportunities, Constraints, and Site Review
Identify and select the Surf Betsy site, or sites, and explore the constraints and opportunities concerning development alternatives.

Phase II: Design and Alternative Development
Identify the issues and limitations of the site, or sites; select a “Preferred Alternative” among the various development alternatives given the sites; finalize the feasibility of the Preferred Alternative; conduct an economic impact study; develop a cost-benefit analysis; and develop a funding strategy.

Phase III: Design, Permitting, and Final Design
Permitting and final design of the Preferred Alternative. Construction may be phased according to budgets and timing of funding awards and ongoing fundraising efforts.

Phase IV: Prepare Construction Documents for Bid
Develop construction drawings, specifications, and quantities for bid tabulation and assist in developing a bid package.

Phase V: Project Implementation
Monitor construction, permit compliance, plans and specification compliance, and other tasks necessary to the project’s implementation.

SOURCE: RiverRestoration, Elizabethton Whitewater Park Phase II – Scope of Services; Jan. 9, 2023