By Peggy Mackenzie
The Greenbrier County Commission on Tuesday voted unanimously in favor of the proposed PSD #2 Expansion request which had been tabled at the previous commission meeting. At last month’s meeting, representatives from Greenbrier County PSD #1 expressed concerns for the limited notice given prior to the planned expansion. Steve Hunter, who serves as legal counsel for PSD No. 1 has since informed the commission that the agency now has no objections. The proposed project will extend water service from the western end of the county at Charmco to the I-64 /U.S. 60 interchange at Sam Black.
The commission also approved a Small City Block Grant for $1.5 million making federal funds available for the water project.
John Tuggle, representing Region 4 Planning and Development Council, stated the customer base will likely extend from 498 to over 900 and the total cost is expected to run up to $10 million. He said Rupert and Rainelle officials have shown interest in linking their municipal systems with the new water system, creating a network tying several different water sources in the western end, which he said “would be very advantageous.”
Tom Oxley, representing Pentree Inc., an engineering firm that is working with PSD No. 2, said that a Charmco to Rainelle line will cost an additional $2 million. He said those communities are very interested in participating in the project. A water availability study, costing around $30,000 will need to be performed. “There is no shortage of water,” he said.
In other business:
• County Clerk Robin Loudermilk reporting on the early voting at the courthouse, stated that as of Tuesday, close to 400 people had cast their votes at the courthouse and 48 had voted at the Rupert Community building. Early voting is still open until 5 p.m. Saturday at both locations. Tuesday, May 13 is election day.
• The commission approved the Community Participation Grant applications and resolutions for five organizations: 4-H Leaders Association ($7,000), 4-H Leaders ($5,000), Energy Express ($3,000), GVT ($7,000) and Ronceverte Communication & Recreation Center ($5,000).
• The Arts & Recreation Committee’s recommendations for the 2014-15 grant cycle were approved.
• The contracts for the Wagon House and Barracks contractors were approved for restoration of those structures using grant funds.
• A donated county vehicle was approved for the Smoot Volunteer Fire Department.
• At the close of the meeting, the commission spoke briefly on the mediation meeting between the New River Community and Technical College and the Commission, concerning the pool facility on the college campus, stating that they spent most of Monday in discussion, however, no resolut