Mayor Travis Copenhaver announced this week that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a grant to the Town of Alderson for the purchase and installation of an emergency generator at the Alderson Community Center for the Arts and Humanities (ACCAH) which serves as the town’s emergency shelter in the event of a disaster.
Mayor Copenhaver said, “We are extremely pleased to have been awarded this funding. If something like the derecho happens again, our citizens will have a place to go where they will have access to the comforts that electricity provides.”
The grant was made possible because of the guidance and assistance of the WV Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM) and Paula Brown of the Greenbrier County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office. The grant funds were requested by WVDHSEM after the June 2012 Derecho, Roane and Mason County Floods, and Hurricane Sandy to provide for critical power needs in emergency facilities.
“The Hazard Mitigation Program Grants provide for valuable services and equipment that will protect the safety of citizens and their property,” said WVDHSEM Director Jimmy Gianato.
Ray Still, certified electrical inspector and member of the Board of Directors of the ACCAH, will provide the management services for this project.