It looks like after 30 years, Current Hydro will construct a hydroelectric plant at New Cumberland Locks and Dam and the Hancock County Commission voted Thursday to send a letter of support to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the project to be granted a license.
For many years the City of New Cumberland planned to capture the revenue from a hydro plant. The town extended their area of incorporation to include the location of a plant proposed in 1994 through a minor boundary change. A bill was passed stipulating that in lieu of a B&O tax, the city could negotiate a fee agreement with the plant.
It now appears that 30 years after those plans the New Cumberland Hydroelectric Project will become a reality with a two-year construction phase that is projected to create employment opportunities for 200 on-site workers. In addition to the jobs involved in constructing the facility, the project will increase renewable energy capacity for the local utility grid.
Beyond the economic benefits, the Project would include new recreational infrastructure in Hancock County. While the project site is a popular fishing location, currently there is no public access of public facilities along this session of the West Virginia shoreline. The institution of a parking lot, fishing pier within the tailrace of the project and an Americans with Disability compliant path to the fishing pier would establish public access and create a valuable space for community gatherings in New Cumberland.
In other business, the Commissioners:
**Heard from Hancock County Extension agent Zach White about the ongoing 4-H projects happening in the schools. White said 4-H camp will be held July 21-25 this summer.
**Approved the memorandum of release of deed of trust for Christopher J. Allison, 325 Bentley Avenue;
**Approved Chris Barrett as a new member of the Parks & Recreation Board:
**Accepted a letter of resignation for BHJ from Jeff Oyster;
**Approved the County subscribing to Plan C of the PEIA insurance. With this subscription, the County will provide a supplement to offset the higher deductible ensuring continued support for employees’ healthcare expenses;
**Approved a pay increase for Lily Lyon to align with the amount previously budgeted for the position;
**Approved payment of general county bills of $157,853.66 and purchasing card bill of $12,525.17;
**The Commission has scheduled special meetings on April 15 to set the levy rates and April 21 to interview candidates bidding for the management of Kennedy Marina;
**The next regular meeting will be April 24.
