Lewis County commissioners have moved several flood-recovery projects toward funding and procurement, including repairs to two public-service buildings and preparations for removing damaged structures.
The commission authorized staff to prepare for a West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Dilapidated Properties Grant application so work can begin promptly when the funding opportunity opens. The Weston Democrat reports that county officials plan to coordinate the application with Region VII.
Commissioners also approved seeking bids for rebuilding or repairing the Lewis County Emergency Squad building and Lewis County Senior Center. Those votes start procurement steps; they do not identify contractors, prices or construction schedules.
Demolition and removal bidding for flood-affected structures remains on hold until property inspections are complete. The reporting reviewed for this article did not identify the properties that may qualify or establish when inspections will finish. Region VII also is expected to manage the county’s Brownfields Grant activity.
The actions follow the July 21 flooding and address both public facilities and longer-term property recovery. Residents should not interpret the grant authorization as confirmation that funding has been awarded or that a specific building has been approved for demolition.
Read the Weston Democrat’s meeting report for its account of the September 3 special meeting.