Quarterly Update on County Projects
(June 2010)
Lower Jackson Wastewater Treatment Plant
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.
Jackson River Scenic Trail
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.
Youth Athletics
Alleghany County Parks and Recreation is holding its fall sports sign ups from June 1st - 30th. 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 30th. For more information please call 863-6622.
Summer Camps
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 21st - 25th at Alleghany High School and has a fee of $25. The Alleghany County Youth Cheer Camp for ages 8-13 will run from July 19th - 22nd at Alleghany High School and has a fee of $25. The Alleghany County Summer Fun Camp will be held July 19th - 22nd 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.
I-64 Safety Barrier
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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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.
Shelly Dudley, CZA
County Planner/Zoning Administrator
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