Published: June 05, 2008 10:12 am         

Hardy questions Homeland Security funds distribution

MOOREFIELD - Hardy County Commissioners Roger Champ, Stanley Moyer and JR Keplinger said they don't understand why most of the federal Homeland Security money the state received has stayed in Charleston and Kanawha County rather than being distributed to the areas where major evacuations are likely to occur.

Champ asked Chris Strovell, U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito's regional representative, if there is something that can be done at the federal level to have a more equitable distribution of the money in the state.

"Even a serious rumor could start an evacuation into Hardy County from the east," said Champ, noting local communities are not prepared for it.

County Planner Tom Widder said one of the things that needs to be done is identify places for people to stay.

He said the planning office is working on the county's hazard mitigation plan and there are homeland security issues to be addressed in the plan.

The portable kitchens the county has as part of the regional emergency response program are not substantial enough to handle the numbers that would likely need to be fed.

There was also a brief discussion on why commodities cannot be stored in areas such as Hardy County where they might be needed in the event of an evacuation.

Strovell said the federal government does not tell the states how to spend the money but he added he would check on the concern.

He asked the commissioners if there are other issues with which Capito might be able to assist the local officials.

He was asked about the status of the Virginia portion of Corridor H, which would connect the highway with Interstate 81.

Strovell said the federal highway six-year funding authorization bill will be up for renewal in 2009 and the congresswoman would be looking at funding for such roads at that time.

Another request was presented in writing with a letter of support from the commission for the Moorefield Volunteer Fire Company, which needs assistance in funding a $3.25 million fire station.

"As our community continues to grow, our fire company is also growing," states the letter signed by the firefighters.

Champ said with recent growth in the county, an influx of people and the construction of Corridor H, a larger fire station is needed for additional equipment.

The current station with three bays is inadequate to store vehicles and equipment.

"They've really got the vehicles piled in there," he said.

The proposed facility would have five bays to house vehicles and equipment and a fitness center.

The National Fire Protection Association is working on a fitness program for firefighters, and a fitness center would help the company personnel to meet new requirements.

Strovell also asked about employment issues in the county, saying he had noted some plant layoffs.

The commissioners said employment appears stable at the moment but asked if there is anything Congress could do about the price of gas.

Keplinger said diesel fuel is also an issue. "It's $4 for a gallon of gas but it's $5 for diesel," he said.

The trucks that bring in things like green beans for market are using a lot of diesel and that's being reflected in the price of produce at ever higher prices, he said.

They also briefly discussed the continuing need for infrastructure improvements for the area above Caledonia Heights where the new Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College building is being constructed.

Contact Mona Ridder at mridder@times-news.com.