By Steve Pendleton
The Hardy County Rural Development Authority (RDA) met on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in Moorefield. Present were Vice-president Derek Barr; members Fred Brooks, Linda Burgess, Greg Greenwalt, Harold Michael, Elwood Williams, Robert Williams; County Commissioners Dave Workman, Jay Fansler, and Steve Schetrom; County Commission staff County Wendy Branson, and Peggy Moomaw; Executive Director Mallie Combs, Executive Secretary Rita Smith, and staff and Peggy Thorne.
Prayer was offered prior to start the meeting.
Minutes from the meeting of September 5th were approved.
The meeting opened with prayer.
Minutes from the last meeting, on October 31, 2024, were approved as written.
Executive Director Report
The RDA is still awaiting final payment from the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) for the American Woodmark Connector Road project. Executive Director Mallie Combs sent a message to Perry Keller, Director of Contracts Division for WVDOH, asking for assistance in the matter. The Christopher Peacock expansion project in Wardensvillle is nearing completion. The cabinet maker’s new building is constructed with staff moving in and equipment relocated. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held sometime later in 2025. The Mettler Corporation has plans to expand their business at the old American Woodmark site. The company is very pleased with the employees they have hired and operations in general. Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey will take the oath of office on Monday, January 13th. Activities are planned throughout the day. Eastern Community and Technical College will soon offer a course in heavy equipment operation. Robert Burns will oversee the training. In other news, RDA will have the Thrasher Group prepare a plat and deed for the 25.3 acres of the Fitzwater property that the RDA recently sold to the college.
Potesta Engineering is working with the U.S. Housing Urban Development to complete the required environmental studies at the Crites property north of Moorefield by Route 48. The RDA expects to develop the site for business. Combs noted that with the incoming new presidential administration, environmental regulations may relax. The next meeting to address Corridor H issues will be held in Charleston on February 28th. The Legislature will open the 2025 session on Wednesday, February 12th. President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office on Monday, January 20th.
Old Business
None
New Business
None
Discussion
In a follow up to the Mettler business report, Derek Barr noted that the company is now
operating multiple shifts. Cars are seen at site throughout the day and night. There
was question about whether Mettler had hired staff from the Pilgrim’s and American
Woodmark but Combs said there was no indication of that happening. She said that the
workplace culture is based on a serious commitment to the company as it becomes an
important part of the employee’s life.
Combs said that Putnam County received a $5 million grant from the State Economic
Grant Fund to build 600 housing units. This is positive indicator of consistent growth
and a funding source that Hardy County needs to keep an eye on. In other business
news, Doug Coffman reported that the Pilgrim’s Cook Plant added a new production line
Greg Greewalt inquired about the Dialysis Center reported to be coming to Moorefield.
Coffman said that one group had conducted research on the project and the opening of
a center was possible later in the year.
Public Comment
None
With all business having been addressed, a motion and second to adjourn was unanimously passed. The next meeting of the RDA board is scheduled for Thursday, February 28, 2025 beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the USDA building at 223 N. Main St, Moorefield.
