Commissioners Sign Resolution for Upper Mon River Locks

Fairmont Times West Virginian
1 August 2012
By Nicole Lemal

FAIRMONT — A presentation from a local resident last week prompted the Marion County Commission to take action.

Commissioners signed a resolution to keep the Upper Mon River Locks open this morning. Locks on the Upper Mon River at Hildebrand and Opekiska are scheduled to be closed for recreational purposes in October due to budgetary concerns, but local residents like Lana Smith and the Upper Mon River Association are fighting to keep them open. Closing the locks would hinder economic and river development, UMRA Vice President Barry Pallay said last week.

During Wednesday's meeting, Smith showed her appreciation for the commission.

"This will help, and I think the Army Corp (of Engineers) will see that Marion County is involved and they do want to be a part of it," Smith said.

Commissioner Guy Ward said the commission was possibly the first governing body to pass the resolution.

Read the complete story in tomorrow’s Times West Virginian, available at newsstands or through home delivery by calling 304-367-2525 or 304-367-2527.