PAX, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Municipal, county, state, and federal officials gathered Friday morning at the West Virginia Southern Conservation District Office in Beckley to address ongoing flooding concerns in the town of Pax.
Flooding from Paint Creek has been a persistent problem in the community for years, causing significant damage, disruption, and even loss of life.
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The meeting marked the initial stage of discussions aimed at developing a plan to reduce the impact of flooding in the area.
Those in attendance included State Senators Brian Helton and Rolland Roberts, along with Fayette County Commissioners John Brenemen and Greg Fernett.
Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, West Virginia Conservation Agency, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water & Waste Management, Alpha Met Coal, Plateau Action Network, and the West Virginia Southern Conservation District also participated.
State Senator Brian Helton (R-Fayette), a resident of Pax, emphasized the personal significance of the issue.
“We want to make sure that our residents are protected. These floods have hit our area tremendously, especially during the past three to four or five years,” Helton said.
“Being a resident of Pax, this really hits home with me, knowing the families that have lost lives over this, that have lost property. I just feel like it’s important that we address this, get out in front of it. We’ve got a great group of people here today that are committed to this and involved.”
Officials plan to reconvene in December to continue exploring potential solutions and contributions from the participating agencies and organizations.
