Heading into 2009, King George County has two longstanding issues on which officials have yet to make firm New Year's resolutions.
The first is answering the question of what to do with the historical Ralph Bunche School, established for the education of African-American students from 1949 to 1968.
The facility is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. It's used by the schools division and Sheriff's Office for storage and training.
An advisory committee, comprised mainly of members of the Ralph Bunche Alumni Association and county and school officials, recommended future uses last week.
In addition to educational possibilities, suggestions include turning the building into a museum, cultural arts center, genealogy center, public park or job training site.
The Board of Supervisors and School Board indicated support for moving forward with plans for using the school, but did not discuss the issue at length or agree on a plan.
Supervisor James Howard noted that some of the potential uses had been suggested 10 years ago--evidence of how long the issue has been pending.
The committee's report said school officials should transfer the deed and property for the building to the county and both boards should enter into a joint resolution for using the facility again.
Supervisors said they want to closely examine the impact of revamping the building and applying for historic tax credits.
Given the supervisors' recent budget cuts to fill a $1.4 million shortfall, it will most likely be a challenge for the county to come up with public funds for Ralph Bunche improvements over the next year.
Supporters of a second, private project, are also petitioning officials for action.
Friends of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail, who want a 16-mile trail to be included in the state trail system, are looking for formal recognition by the county.
The Friends have converted property, previously used as a rail line, into a recreational trail. Last week the group asked supervisors to include it in the county's comprehensive plan, but did not get an answer to their request.
They argue that formal recognition will give them access to previously unat-tainable grant money to improve the land and say the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation would be interested in acquiring it as a state-owned park with county approval.
In the past, opponents have argued the trail would attract crime, noise and litter, among other concerns.
The group sought recognition two years ago, but in the wake of receiving 600 petitions against the project, supervisors declined involvement.
Corey Byers: 540/735-1976
Email: cbyers@freelancestar.com