“WAVERLY — The U.S. government completed purchase of the first tract of land today for the Portsmouth Area atomic energy plant.”
“Land involved was a tract of 81.7 acres on Beaver road, in approximately the center of the A-plant site, which was owned by Victor J. Darst and his wife, Bertha.“
“A government check for $25,500 was presented to Mr. Darst at 10:30 a.m. in the local office of the U.S. Army Engineers, which is in charge of real estate purchases for the Atomic Energy Commission. Col. J. O. Colonna, district engineer at Huntington, made the presentation.”
Other at Ceremony
“Also present for the ceremony were A. C. Brown, chief of the real estate purchasing division of the Army Engineers, and Sol Ribakoff, chief of public relations for the Army Engineers’ Huntington District.”
“A third-floor office in the Pike County Courthouse here, which is occupied by the Army Engineers for the property transactions, was the scene of the initial purchase.”
“J. C. Rogers, who is in charge of the office, said in a breakdown of the purchase price that $22,750 of the amount represented the land price.”
“The $2,750 difference was paid to reimburse the Darsts for crops on the land he explained.”
“Next purchase of land for the A-plant probably will be completed in about 10 days and after that the transactions will be made more rapidly, Mr. Rogers added.”
Two Months Needed
“The Army Engineers expect the entire plant site will be purchased in about two months’ time, he said.”
“An office will be maintained in Waverly for the next year to clear up subsequent property matters, but only a skeleton force will be on hand after the purchases are completed.”
“In presenting the check to Mr. Darst, Col. Colonna said:”
“‘The Corps of Engineers is responsible for the government land purchase program at the Portsmouth Area atomic project.'”
“‘The Corps of Engineers is doing everything possible to pay all property owners promptly and adequately so they can resettle elsewhere with a minimum of inconvenience.’”
“Three local appraisers are setting the land prices.”1
