Published: October 14, 2008 09:51 pm         

City leaders recognize Rahall’s community support

Beckley

Beckley’s city leaders recognized Rep. Nick Rahall Tuesday night for his help in making an 11-year, multimillion-dollar project become a reality.

Mayor Emmett Pugh presented Rahall, D-W.Va., with a framed photo of the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine’s new Rahall Company Store.

Earlier this year, the mine reopened for the 2008 season after a $3.5 million company store, museum and gift shop was constructed.

Pugh said the project was a work-in-progress since 1997, and he credited Rahall with helping the city get the needed funding.

“Without the congressman’s help, we would be unable to finish or start this project,” he said. “He used his time, his staff’s time ... This was desperately needed.”

Rahall said he wanted to express his “deep” appreciation, saying he was “honored” and “humbled” by the city’s recognition.

“If things don’t work out for me in November, I might be managing that store,” he joked.

Rahall also presented Police Chief Tim Deems with a $225,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s COPS program.

This will allow the department to add three more officers to the force, giving the city 49 officers.

“Because of you, our children can lay their heads down at night in peace and security,” Rahall told Deems.

In other matters:

- Residents living near Mountain State University expressed concerns about their neighborhood’s conditions. They said speeding drivers, drug activity, trash, an abundance of feral cats and younger residents’ parties have made their lives miserable. They asked for police to step up patrols.

- Council members voted to allow Pugh to execute a grant contract with the West Virginia Development Office. The Beckley Art Group has received a $1,000 grant that will be used to purchase computers and related equipment.

— E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com