Pickett Working On Feasibility Study Grant For Boat Launch Site

The Bill Dance Signature Lakes program will require a feasibility study before taking the next steps at Dale Hollow Lake.

Some $15 million will be invested in fish stocking, habitat, and fisheries management as well as improved access for fishing and boating. Pickett County Executive Stephen Bilbrey said the county is working with the Appalachian Regional Commission to apply for a $100,000 feasibility study grant.

“To see where around the lake that we could do a significant boat launch site,” Bilbrey said. “Which will be huge for Pickett County. We’ll be able to advertise that Dale Hollow is a Bill Dance Signature Lake, the marinas around the lake will be able to advertise that. So hopefully it’ll bring more fishermen and more tourists in.”

Bilbrey said being a Bill Dance Signature Lake is more than just getting the name of a famous fisherman attached. He said that Bill Dance wanted to see his signature lakes make improvements in the water, above the water, and its surrounding areas.

Bilbrey said if they receive the grant, the next step will be to complete the study itself. He said that the county is moving in the right direction when it comes to increasing its tourism industry. Bilbrey said the goal is to make tourism a 12-month industry, rather than just seasonal.