By Stephen Smoot
The Region VI Planning and Development Council held its quarterly meeting last Wednesday.
An invocation opened the meeting, with the prayer saying “we thank You for each person that has come out . . . bless their endeavors.” Next came the serving of dinner, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The council then heard from Kevin Starner on the subject of hazard mitigation planning. Every five years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency mandates that local governments participate in this process.
Starner explained that hazard mitigation planning “basically looks at the type of hazards that this region is vulnerable to, then works to make them go away.” Every five years, regional and local authorities must participate in a 10 month series of meetings to put the plan together.
FEMA incorporated more stringent mandates for the 2023 round of hazard mitigation plans. To remain eligible for related funding or other opportunities, such as the federal flood insurance program, each municipality must participate in at least two elements of the process. All entities must also adopt the plan. Starner warned that otherwise, they will be “on their own.”
One of the key reasons why FEMA demands full participation comes from the fact that they also seek greater detail in the plans. Local governments must include specific details, numbers, and targets for change.
Next Sheena Hunt, Region VI executive director, delivered her report. She shared that she was working with the state on broadband issues.
Then she discussed the region’s participation in the West Virginia Dilapidated Property Program.
Many West Virginia communities saw the number of dilapidated properties skyrocket in recent decades. Properties sold for back taxes often went to out of state owners for pennies on the dollar of the actual value, only to fall into unsightly disrepair. In recent years, the state changed the law on tax sales to substantially reduce the practice.
The State of West Virginia also launched a program to help communities redevelop through tearing down dilapidated structures that create eyesores, inhibit development, and attract crime. Hunt informed the council about the program, then announced that she wants to hold a meeting to inform regional communities about it.
“It’s going to be hard to find a date that’s good for everyone,” she said, then added that “we’re probably looking at mid July.” Participation in the program begins with surveys, passing ordinances, and taking inventories. The state added $10 million in the fund to jump start the process.
Hunt also informed the council about an energy efficiency grant for communities. The deadline for application was extended from last April to July 28.
Barry Pallay, one of the Morgantown based representatives, also shared some potentially positive news concerning Monongahela River transport. “This is a great success I am going to mention,” he said.
A Morgantown based policy group recently approved a proposal to request that the Monongahela River be classified as a marine highway. This would encourage further development of multi-modal transportation along the navigable lengths of the river. Redesignation would allow owners of terminals, loading areas, and other river freight infrastructure to apply for federal funds to upgrade.
The next and final step in the process will be the approval of US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttgieg. Pallay said that he expected Buttgieg to grant approval and said “I’m delighted this passed.
Communities can also take advantage of a new on call consulting program. Council members learned that the service comes at no cost and can assist on issues as different as broadband and sidewalks.
The next full council meeting will take place on Sept 20.