KINGWOOD — A request for $1,000 to repair the Works Progress Administration (WPA) 1939 wall in Rowlesburg was moved to the Aug. 14 meeting to give commissioners time to consider where the funds will come from.
According to History.com, the WPA was an ambitious employment and infrastructure program created by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1935, during the Great Depression. Over its eight years of existence, the WPA put roughly 8.5 million Americans to work building schools, hospitals, roads and other public works. The WPA also sponsored projects in the arts and entertainment fields, where the agency employed tens of thousands of actors, musicians, writers and other artists.
Charles Felton Jr., who requested the funds, said $6,500 of the $7,500 he believes is needed for repairs is in an account in the Clear Mountain Bank in Rowlesburg.
“We have four B&Bs, a campground for kids, and our trailer park is growing. Carrico’s Wine Bar and Artisanware just opened up in Rowlesburg,” Felton said. “We have several other projects I am not speaking of right now that we are working on.”
Commissioners also heard from Matthew Anderson of Secure Solar Future. Anderson discussed the possibility of local schools and local government going solar. He said Secure Solar Future was one of the companies that spearheaded a campaign in West Virginia to pass House Bill 3310, making West Virginia the 29th state to legalize Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) that allow customers to get on-site solar power with no up front capital cost.
“We build it, we own it and we operate it,” he said. “We can do this because we require a 25 to 35 year contract.”
Anderson said by signing up with the company the county will save money because there would be no capital expense.
“The energy cost doesn’t go up over the years, and you can still be on your other power source for dark days,” he said.
Anderson said the company hasn’t worked with a county, yet, but has worked with Calhoun County Public Schools.
According to the company’s website, solar power systems were installed at two school sites. The website states the school district will save nearly $740,000 in energy costs.
“We need to look at this and we need to check and see if we can enter into a 25-year agreement,” Commissioner Samantha Stone said.
Commission President Don Smith said if there is an agreement, it would probably have to be done through the building commission.
No further action was taken.
Commissioners went into an executive session to discuss personnel. No action was taken.
The next meeting of the Preston County Commission will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
