PCDA MONTHLY MEETING A BUSY ONE

January 25, 2000 - At tonight's first meeting of 2000, PCDA Board members re-elected the 1999 slate of officers. David Kimberling was re-elected President of the Board, John Smolak, Vice-President and Virginia King Secretary/Treasurer. Officers serve a one-year term.

Regular monthly meeting dates for the calendar year were established. The meetings will be held on Feb. 22, Mar. 28, Apr. 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, Aug. 22, Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. Monthly draft agendas will continue to be posted on the PCDA Web Site each month.

The board also discussed committee assignments and suggested that new members be appointed to the various committees and that each committee will suggest any changes to the schedule of committee meetings.

Marjorie Ryan, Director of the Putnam County Office of Planning and Infrastructure spoke to the board about the upcoming U.S. 35 Corridor Planning Study. A meeting will be held on Feb. 10th to discuss the actual "scope" of the planning study and potential implementation activities that may be needed to bring the plan into reality. Ms. Ryan also stated that the study take into account Old U.S. 35 i. current zoning and land use in the Scott Depot area where new U.S. 35 is expected to join I-64.

Members expressed interest in working with the Planning Office to assure that the county have input in determining future development that will benefit the county and its residents.

The end result of the effort will be a detailed Transportation Corridor Management Plan that will help manage the growth anticipated along new U.S. 35. The Planning office sought and received a $405,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation for the study that may serve as a model for other parts of the state or the U.S.

Board members voted unanimously to draft a resolution of support for the planning study and members were urged to work with the Planning Office in making the management plan a reality.

James Caruthers, chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure committee, updated members about the Regional Airport. He reported that the Financial Feasiblity Study would soon be released to the WV Port Authority. He commended the "Just In Time Committee" for working to bring about a coordinated effort among affected counties. He also complimented the efforts of Lincoln County EDA Director Shelley Huffman for her efforts.

Caruthers also reported on progress toward possible industrial access improvements at the Par and Hub Industrial Parks at Nitro.

Members were informed about the "roll out" of the Pipes For Putnam II sewer report. The public announcement will be made at Noon tomorrow (01/26/00) at Scarlett Oaks Country Club.

PCDA Executive Director Gary Walton reported on many of the activities of the staff since the last meeting. On Jan.6th, Governor Underwood announced Putnam County's newest industry - Poca Blending. Owner Denny Farrell, reports that the new company will employ up to 50 people in the Par Industrial Park at Nitro. Walton was also in Charleston last week to accept a $50,000 Industrial Park Assistance Program grant from Governor Underwood. http://www.pcda.org/release12.html

Walton reported that - as of today - $16,700 in donations have been received as a result of the fund raising committee's efforts. Hopefully, this is only the beginning.

He also reported that he will be making a presentation about Putnam County and the Development Authority's efforts to Governor Underwood Thursday evening.

Existing Industrial Retention visits have resumed. Monday, Walton and Rolland Phillips from the WV Development Office visited with Rite Aid, Kanawha Scales and Orr Safety Equipment. Each of these firms are located in the Rock Branch Industrial Park in Poca.

Marketing efforts are beginning in earnest for 2000. It was suggested that the PCDA place an advertisement for people or firms with industrial or commercial property for sale or rent to contact the PCDA. These properties could be included on the Authority's web site. Industrial properties/sites may also be submitted to the West Virginia Development Office web site for consideration. Walton said that "this might also help me become more familiar with properties that might be available throughout Putnam County. We have many people asking for available properties and we need the most up to date database possible."

Our first Newsletter was well received and further efforts will be undertaken to help keep the general public informed about the activities of the Authority.

Walton said that progress continues on development of the Master Plan for the Huntington-Charleston Business Center. The staff continues to work with engineering firms, and legal counsel toward establishing a closing for a $1,052,916 loan through the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council for the long-term financing for purchase of the final 68 acre tract. The property was purchased using a short-term bridge loan in October.

Walton continues to work with various other committees such as Pipes for Putnam, Regional Airport (Just in Time), Regional Transportation, Buffalo-Putnam Port District, and others. The goals of these committees are aimed at improving infrastructure and quality of life for Putnam County residents.

For further information, please contact: Gary Walton at 757-0318