Development Authority Considers Cleanup Of Lock-And-Dam Trash

Region 6 Development is studying how to remove the trash that backs up against the Morgantown Locks and Dam on the Monongahela River.

Monongalia County Commissioner Robert "Bob" Bell said Wednesday a resolution is being formulated that may be discussed at today's Development Authority meeting. The resolution will, if passed, begin to tackle the problem.

The authority meets at 7:30 a.m. in the conference room at the Morgantown Municipal Airport.

"The trash and debris that accumulates along the river is a concern for several communities," Bell told the commission. He said Clarksburg and Fairmont are interested in developing waterfront in those cities and are discussing the probability of cleaning out the debris that builds up against the locks.

Job Creation grant

A Wednesday public hearing on a Job Creation grant brought out only one business interested in obtaining the more than $1 million. Lea Wolfe, with the grant committee, said one agency is chosen each year for the three-year grant, designed to create jobs at $35,000 per job.

The grant requires no funds from the County Commission.

Commissioners Bell, John Pyles and Asel Kennedy will assist in the Friday canvassing of the school bond votes, along with school board members.

County Clerk Michael Oliverio told commissioners he expects the canvassing to last through 5 p.m. Friday. If there's a problem, Oliverio said, canvassing will resume Tuesday. The Courthouse is closed Monday for Columbus Day.