Legislative Update…By Lori Dittman WV House of Delegates 63rd District

This week I attended a meeting with Nancy Gall from Rural Partners Network and John King of the Office of Environmental Advocate along with representatives from town governments of Burnsville, Gassaway, and Sutton, the Braxton County Commission, as well as the Braxton Board of Education and other county stakeholders. Goals of the meeting included learning about current projects, increasing connections, and learning more about the Rural Partners Network opportunities and engagement.
Another major focus included dilapidated buildings. Through various programs money is available for demolition projects. Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP) has established a process for counties and municipalities to participate in the program. I am encouraged by the number of people from Braxton County that came to the meeting, and the amount of money that has been recommended to the Appalachian Regional Commission. In total $7,168,00 are awaiting the next step approval. Projects include Holly Gray Park Sewer, Braxton Sheriff’s Office communications upgrade, Mountaineer Foodbank, and Holly Gray Dining Hall. We were reminded at the meeting that it is a “marathon,” and not a “sprint.” Change and improvement will come, but it will not happen fast enough.
Please mark your calendars for the Braxton County Fair, August 1-5, 2023. You can find out more at http://www.braxton county fairwv.com or the newspaper.
I write to you this evening while being on a mini vacation with four of my friends. We have been friends for a long time and are celebrating two of them turning 60 years old. We have laughed and enjoyed our time together.
“Real friends are the ones you can count on no matter what. The ones who go into the forest to find you and bring you home. And real friends never have to tell you that they’re your friends.”
– Mindy Kaling
I look forward to hearing from people in the district and hope to see you out and about enjoying all the great things our area has to offer. I can be contacted at lori.dittman@ wvhouse.gov or 304-701-8600.