By Sarah Richardson
At the latest meeting Greenbrier County Commission, the group discussed applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the West Virginia Development Office in order to fund much-needed renovations and upgrades to the Greenbrier County Health Department building in Fairlea.
Throughout the pandemic, the reliance of the community on the county health department has been more paramount than ever, and it became obvious that an updated and functional space for county health care professionals to operate out of is a necessity.
“Region 4 is assisting us with this,” said Commissioner Tammy Shifflett-Tincher, “[The CDBG grant] is for funding for work at our health department. We are looking at this for renovation and enlargement of the building and structure.”
The Commission voted unanimously to sign and submit the application. They also signed a contract with Sillings Architects for the building designs related to the Health Department building project.
“These folks have been good to work with for a long time,” added Commissioner Mike McClung.
Project management of the Meadow River Trail through Matt Ford of the Greenbrier Environmental Group was approved by the Commission, as well.
“We’ve had this contract with him for three years, and this will be the project coordinator for the trail for Greenbrier County. He was, and still is, the project coordinator for Fayette County, as well,” said Commissioner Lowell Rose. “That project is moving along pretty well. Ultimately, we will be able to take the money that is appropriated and do the majority of that project and get it close to completion.”
In other news
- A consideration to adopt a Supplemental Resolution for the financing of the design, acquisition, construction, and equipping of the Greenbrier County courthouse through the issuance of lease revenue bonds by the Greenbrier County Building Commission was tabled until the next meeting, as well as discussion to determine whether to pursue financing of the improvements through the Greenbrier County Building Commission Lease Revenue Bonds. The commission also decided to table the approval to purchase steel for the courthouse annex project.
- The Commission made several board appointments, including motioning that Matt Ford remain on the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation’s Board, as well as appointing Debbie Parker to the board to replace Tom Hughes, who is retiring.
For the Planning Commission, they motioned for David Alderman and Dan Edwards to serve for another term.
For the Greenbrier County Public Service District Number 1, they motioned for John Preston to serve another term.