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NEWS
Region considers electronic signs for evacuations
HUNTINGTON -- The Cabell County Commission authorized sending a letter of support for a regional project aimed at helping seven counties in southwestern West Virginia.
The project would utilize federal Homeland Security funds to purchase 14 electronic roadway signs. The portable, solar-powered signs would be stored throughout the region for use along Interstate 64 and U.S. 119. Both are recognized evacuation routes for any emergency that might cause officials to evacuate Washington, D.C.
The signs would help emergency officials communicate important information, such as weather forecasts and detour routes.
The federal funds were allocated for West Virginia, and then state officials divided the allotment among the state's six regions. The local region received $600,000. Coordinator Jerry L. Beckett said his plan involves purchasing the signs, along with wireless Internet technology. The items would complement each other.
"I think this is a very good project," he told commissioners. "I think it's a good use of the money. It's a good regional project and all seven counties will benefit."
The local region serves Boone, Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo and Wayne counties. Cabell and Wayne would receive three signs each. The U.S. 119 counties would receive two signs each. None of the signs would be stored in Mason County, but Beckett said those officials would have access to the equipment.
Obtaining the signs is dependent upon each county meeting requirements. It also involves a vote by the regional committee, which includes members from each county. It will consider Beckett's requests along with others. Some of the other requests focus on particular county needs.
In other news, county commissioners listened to an endowment proposal from the Great Kanawha Resource Conservation and Development Council. They also set a special meeting for Sept. 16 to appoint officials for the general election and allocated $4,000 in hotel occupancy tax funds for the Musical Arts Guild of Huntington.
