By: Mat Cloak
The Parsons Advocate
During the meeting Sept. 13, the Commission endorsed the “Road to Prosperity” road building initiative. This endorsement encourages eligible voters to vote in favor of the referendum on Saturday, October 7.
If approved by state voters, the road bond would issue $1.6 billion over the next four years. Tucker County would receive $98 million in funding for 12 projects, specifically, the Corridor H Highway. Tucker County’s allotment is over triple the amount neighboring counties would receive through the bond referendum.
This funding is paid for and would not incur any new taxes. The Commission read the resolution at the meeting, which stated, “…the completion of the road bond projects proposed throughout the State will have immediate impact on the West Virginia economy, which will improve thousands of people, and improve commercial, recreational, and tourism opportunities…”
For more information on the “Roads to Prosperity Highway Program,” visit RoadsToProsperity.wv.gov.
Jessica Waldo, Executive Director of the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, presented 2016 the annual report. “For the winter of 2016, mother nature did not cooperate with us,” Waldo stated. The summer and fall seasons helped equalize those losses, thus resulting in no increase or decrease for the calendar year.
During the Governor’s conference on tourism, the Tucker County CVB received their third accreditation. This accreditation is a three year-long program. Also during the conference, the CVB received the “Stars of the Industry” award for “Best Print and Photography Layout,” for the “Almost Heaven” article in Powder Magazine.
The Office of Emergency Management launched their public information campaign, “Are You Ready.” Kevin White, Director of OEM, presented that information to the Commission. The “Are You Ready” list was published in last week’s paper.
Chief Deputy Donelson presented the August report. The total number criminal investigations through August were 11. Of those 11, four were felony investigations. There were seven motor vehicle crashes throughout the month. Donelson also reported there were 1,619 calls for service were received in August. When asked by the Commission about incidents of breaking and entering, Donelson reported a decrease. He stated, “We have active suspects at this time.”
The Animal Shelter is hiring a part time employee.
The next meeting of the Tucker County Commission will be on Wednesday, September 27 at 6 p.m. in the Tucker County Courthouse Courtroom.