Lewis County Commission seeks grant for rural water extensions

During the Commission’s Monday meeting, officials called a public hearing with Region VII Planning and Development Council to discuss the grant application for the Phase I Water Line Extension Project which could potentially include possible customers in Oil Creek Road, Copely Road, Wolf Pin Run, Wheelers Fork and Sand Fork.

Commission President Agnes Queen clarified that the Sand Fork to possibly be included in the project is the one in Lewis County, not the one in Gilmer County. She said part of Copely is called Sand Fork.

“The Small Cities Block Grant requires that you hold two public hearings, today being the first of the two,” Executive Director Shane Whitehair said. “The first hearing is basically to get comments and input from the public and to provide them an opportunity to make any suggestions on the needs of the county and any development opportunities that the county possess.”

Whitehair said the county officials can then look into any ideas for county projects or feedback received from the public. Lewis County Economic Development Director Mike Herron was out of town for the meeting, taking on other responsibilities.

In a letter addressed to the Commission, Herron said the county faces a critical shortage of moderate to lower income housing and the infrastructure can help attract development and construction in the rural areas by potential new water users. Herron also stated the water line extensions would improve the quality of life for existing residents as well.

Although no one spoke up during the public hearing, Queen said individuals have expressed interest in water line extensions in areas near Corridor H with highway engineers making strides toward the completion of the road. Some individuals noted they would like to see water infrastructure reach Buckhannon Mountain/Glady Fork.

“With the drilling that is getting ready to start, once the oil and gas drilling comes back, those areas are going to be affected by the drilling that goes on,” Queen said. “I know those folks are really concerned about what may or may not happen with their water systems.”

Commissioners also conducted the following business:

— Lewis County received notice from the West Virginia State Auditor that the levy estimate was approved. Lewis County Commission will meet at 9 a.m. April 19 to officially adopt the levy.

— The county’s Make it Shine project of cleaning up branches, trash and debris at the Lewis County Park has been rescheduled after cancellations this weekend because of the snow. The event will instead take place on April 23. Everyone is welcome to help clean the park throughout the day. Weston also rescheduled the downtown Make it Shine cleanup event for the same day. Everyone is welcome to help clean downtown Weston.

— The Lewis County Commission signed a proclamation declaring April 10-16 as Telecommunicator’s Week in Lewis County. In addition to recognizing the county’s telecommunicators for the work they do, the Commission declared this year’s Telecommunicator of the Year award. Dispatcher Eric Rogucki received a plaque to commemorate his recognition.

— Dot Underwood, a representative of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, also attended the meeting and presented a proclamation from the state recognizing telecommunicators.