Construction on both the treatment plant and pipelines portion of the project are underway. Two packages remain, one for the pump stations (there are four pump stations being replaced) and the other is for the conversion of the existing Clifton Forge treatment plant to a large pumping/equalization station and associated force main. These two packages are currently in the bid phase.

The first two miles of the Jackson River Scenic Trail project are nearly complete. This portion runs from Intervale to Petticoat. Some of the improvements include grading, gravel surfacing, trail head development, drainage improvements, and signage. The trail will be a excellent destination for families.

Alleghany County Parks and Recreation is holding its fall sports sign ups from June 1^st - 30^th. These activities include Football for ages 7-13, Girls Basketball for ages 7-13, Flag Football for ages 5 & 6, and Cheerleading for ages 8-13. Sign up forms can be downloaded at: http://www.co.alleghany.va.us/Recreation/youth_athletics.htm. Please return all forms to the Parks and Recreation office no later than June 30^th. For more information please call 863-6622.

Alleghany County Parks and Recreation will be offering three camps this summer. The Alleghany County Youth Baseball Camp for ages 9-14 will run June 21^st - 25^th at Alleghany High School and has a fee of $25. The Alleghany County Youth Cheer Camp for ages 8-13 will run from July 19^th - 22^nd at Alleghany High School and has a fee of $25. The Alleghany County Summer Fun Camp will be held July 19^th - 22^nd at Alleghany High School with a fee of $39. It is open to ages 6-11. For more information on these fun filled camps and how to register please call the Parks and Recreation office at 863-6622. These camps are open to all regardless of residency.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board has awarded a $10,630,150.03 contract to Branch Highways, Inc. for construction of a median barrier on a portion of Interstate 64. The project will include reconstructing inside shoulders and installing high-tension cable guardrail in the median of I-64 between westbound I-64 and Winterberry Avenue. Improving the drainage system and upgrading substandard guardrail will also be part of the project. The project will significantly improve safety on I-64 and decrease the chances of cross-over collisions between vehicles. Construction is getting ready to begin and is slated for completion by December 2011.

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COUNTY CORNER

FEMA MAPPING UPDATED

The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), in cooperation with Alleghany County, is in the final stages of completing a multi-year project to re-examine the county’s flood maps containing flood zones and to develop detailed, digital flood hazard maps.  Based on the new mapping, some parcels flood zone classification may have changed.  These parcels, or a portion thereof, may now be shown to adjoin or be located within a flood hazard area. This change may effect current flood insurance information and future development of those properties effected.  Letters to the effected property owners will be mailed soon and they will be provided an opportunity to view the revised flood maps.

Individuals receiving letters need to be made aware that you are receiving a letter because you property may adjoin to a flood hazard area and a portion of or your entire parcel may be contained within a flood hazard area.  Please be made aware that if there is a structure contained on the property this letter is not necessarily stating that the structure is in a flood hazard area, but that a portion of the property may be in or adjoins a flood hazard area.  To actually verify the flood locations, one will have to view the maps themselves.

If you know your property is located within a flood hazard area and you do not receive a notification letter in the mail, please contact the Planning and Zoning Office so that you can be added to the parcel listing to receive future notifications.

A draft of the new digital maps have been released by FEMA for public viewing. The new maps reflect current flood risks, replacing maps that are up to 22 years old.  As a result, the county will have more reliable, detailed and up-to-date maps to assist in making determinations regarding floodplain locations within the county. In the future, this information will be made internet-accessible so everyone can have access to the information.

Citizens may call the Planning and Zoning Office at 863-6650 to make an appointment to view the maps.

If you have further questions or to make an appointment, please call 540-863-6650, or contact Shelly Dudley in the Pubic Works Department of the Governmental Complex in Low Moor, 9212 Winterberry Avenue, Suite A, Covington, VA  24426.  You may also view information by visiting the county’s webpage www.co.alleghany.va.us and clicking on “New FEMA Maps”, or the FEMA webpage at www.fema.gov and click on “NFIP”.                                                                                 

                                                                                    Shelly Dudley, CZA

                                                                                    County Planner/Zoning Administrator

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