The Wetzel County Commission signed a proclamation Tuesday morning declaring April 2013 as “Fair Housing Month” in Wetzel County. The proclamation encourages all citizens “to support the practice and policy of fair housing in their personal lives, as well as in their workday duties.”

The proclamation recognizes equal opportunity in housing as “a right guaranteed to all Americans under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.” Furthermore, the proclamation states that the 45th anniversary of the National Fair Housing Law “provides an opportunity for Americans to rededicate themselves to the principle of freedom of choice and to reacquaint themselves with the rights and responsibilities that are theirs under law.”

Also, “the implementation of the Fair Housing Policy of West Virginia requires positive commitment, involvement, and support from each and every one of our citizens; and whereas, the departments and agencies of the County of Wetzel provide leadership in an effort to make fair housing a right that can be realized by all of our citizens.”

In another matter, Eric Fecat of Belomar Regional Council was on hand as the commissioners signed a resolution authorizing the filing of a Small Cities Block Grant Application to the state in the amount of $1.5 million. This application is to secure funds for the water line extension to Rush Run, Pogue Run, and Burton areas. The resolution states that the county commission “intends to extend service to 81 new customers in these areas.”

This meeting today was the second public hearing pertaining to the allotment of the Small Cities Block Grant funds.

Fecat also provided the commission with a listing of other projects currently occurring in Wetzel County.

Fecat states that the town of Pine Grove is currently applying for $1.5 million in Small Cities Block Grant funds for the continuation of Phase III of their sewer project. He stated that this will include all areas not covered in Phase II. Swiss Valley Associates have already designed this phase and the project is shovel ready.

As for the Grandview Doolin Public Service District Project, Fecat stated that this project is currently in the design phase with Thrasher Engineering. Furthermore, the Public Service District has applied for a combination of a grant/loan for nearly $6.5 million. This project will serve 139 new customers, and the Marshall County Commission has committed $100,000 for areas to serve in Marshall County.

Two projects are currently being planned for Wetzel County Public Service District One. Fecat stated that the attorney has finished the title opinions concerning the water line extension project.

Fecat added that approval from the Rural Utility Service and the Infrastructure Council has been requested to bid. Fecat stated that once approval is given, advertising for bids would then take place. It is predicted that construction could possibly start in late June or early July.

The PSD’s application for the water tank project is scheduled to go before the Infrastructure Job Development Council on April 30 and before the full council on May 8. “Assuming the IJDC approves the project financing, the PSD will need to file a Certificate Case with the PSC and get approval to build the project.” Fecat stated he hoped to advertise for bids in July for the tank project.

Fecat also stated the Hundred/Littleton PSD waterline extension project would provide the Rush Run area with fire protection. However, the other areas mentioned would not receive fire protection because of the low elevation.

In other commission news, the commission funded, by request, $1,600 to the Wetzel County Coalition Against Drug Abuse.