American Legion receives LEDA funds
NEW CUMBERLAND -- The American Legion Post 10 building in Weirton will receive upgrades thanks to an allotment of state funds secured by a local state senator.
Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, attended Thursday's meeting of the Hancock County Commission to announce the awarding of nearly $43,000 in Local Economic Development Assistance funds for the veterans organization, which is located at 3140 Pennsylvania Ave.
"These are funds available to local organizations," Weld explained of the LEDA funds, which are appropriated by the West Virginia Legislature and typically used by local government entities and nonprofit organizations.
Past local projects receiving such funding have included improvements to Brooke-Hancock Veterans Memorial Park in Weirton, upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2716 in Weirton, the purchase of new vehicles for Hancock County Ambulance and assistance with training and equipment for the Hancock County Sheriff's Department's K-9 unit.
George Zapotoczny, commander of American Legion Post 10, thanked Weld, as well as Ronnie Jones and Ron Ritter, for their efforts in securing the funds.
"Legions and VFWs are struggling," Zapotoczny said, explaining that revenue brought in by the organizations typically is just enough to cover expenses.
The LEDA funds will allow the American Legion to repair the building's electrical system, purchase a new flat-top stove and acquire a new computer system to assist with the business operations of the post.
Under funding regulations, commissioners were required to officially accept the grant and agree to disburse the award to the American Legion.
In other business Thursday, the Hancock County Commission:
-- Approved the release of collateral securities for county funds pledged at FHLB Pittsburgh for transfer to the West Virginia State Treasurer's Office. Commissioner Paul Cowey explained the funds would be placed into a money market account designed to provide a better return on the investment.
-- Approved a revision to the county's coal severance budget.
-- Took no action on a proposed memorandum of understanding between the county and the Northern Panhandle Community Criminal Justice Board to provide alcohol monitoring services within the county.