Area business people, municipal leaders, county officials, and various agency heads gathered on Tuesday afternoon for a planning session, geared to laying the blueprint for Mineral County Day at the state legislature, to be held in Charleston on Feb. 11-12, 2009.
David Vanscoy, president of the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce, chaired the meeting, and asked those in attendance to “put together a priority list” to take to state department heads, along with the elected representatives while in Charleston.
Reviewing the projects from last year’s listing of water-related priorities, County Coordinator Mike Bland gave an overview of the five plans by mentioning that the Wiley Ford water project has been “fully funded according to estimates.” along with the Fountain PSD water system improvements that could be eligible for Small Cities Block Grant funding.
Also, listed among the 2008 projects was the Mineral County Resource Study, which will utilize growth principles and avoid future problems.
According to Bland, the project has an estimated cost of $300,000, and may be “partly funded by the Department of Health and Human Resources.”
Two other projects include the extension of water service to the Hollywood area of Keyser and increasing the capacity for New Creek Water Association by replacing two existing water tanks, each being about 40-years-old.
Vanscoy noted that a new shopping center is slated for construction in the future in the New Creek area, and, “This project should remain on the list of priorities.”
Piedmont mayor James “Ebie” Gilmore stated that water line replacement was needed in his community, while Tom Braithwaite, Elk Garden councilman, asked if a water project on the mountain top that would give adequate fire protection for residents be considered for the listing to be taken to Charleston.
Vanscoy stated that expanding water service to those dwelling on side roads in the Burlington area between Ridgeville and the Hampshire County line also needed to be considered.
By the next meeting, a priority list of water projects will be finalized, from all those discussed at the initial meeting.
Moving on to transportation projects, Vanscoy said among the needs to put before the State Department of Highways could be safety concerns on Route 48 including the curves near Scenic Lane and Dordrill’s Curve, improvements along Rt. 93 in the view of Corridor H coming to Scheer, and the Burlington/Mill Creek Bridge Project, requesting a relocation study for the intersection of U.S. Route 50 and County Rt. 11.
Vanscoy pointed out that the group needed to “keep pushing for the 220 Corridor Project.” 
He also suggested to Keyser businessman Gary Howell, who is a member of the Route 50 Association to “show unified plans” by agreeing what should be on the listing of needs along Route 50.
Howell mentioned several curves on Route 50 that should have attention, namely, Dorsey’s Curve near Elk Garden and Placka and Reed’s Curves near Burlington.
County Commissioner Janice LaRue brought up the subject of the area of road near the Z Tower, between Keyser and Piedmont and the “unsafe conditions with no guardrails.”
Broadband was a subject that was on the table for discussion.
Bland stated that a grant for a study has been approved but “not yet formerly awarded” that will reveal where broadband may be available in the county.
Ed McDonald, of the Mineral County Historical Society, was present at the meeting and  will be seeking funding for a symposium on Nancy Hanks in relationship to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial.
Vanscoy stated about this project,   “This could be the highlight of Mineral County Day,” also suggesting that a display be placed in the Capitol relating to this particular information as a tourist attraction.
Mona Ridder, executive director of  Mineral County Economic Development Authority spoke about the On Track program, patterned  after the Main Street Program, which would allow county municipalities to “improve what they have,” as a community development and growth tool. Looking at meeting possibilities in Charleston, Vanscoy stated that appointments will be made with state agencies for transportation, tourism, and economic development, with a public gathering with the legislators.
Discussed was the luncheon at noon on Feb.12, sponsored by the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce and the second annual reception, sponsored by the Development Authority.
A special feature of 16-18 pages will be produced by the Mineral Daily News-Tribune to be taken to Charleston.
At the next planning session for Mineral County Day at the Legislature, to be held Wednesday, October 15, at noon, in the third-floor conference room of the Grand Central Business Center, plans will continue on prioritizing projects, finalizing details for activities, and perhaps viewing the possibility of renting a charter bus to transport interested county citizens to Mineral County Day at the Legislature.