“A lot of hours were put into this by a lot of people. I think all of them that were involved were appreciative about the way it was done. They should be overjoyed that money is coming to this county to do the projects we’re doing in education, agriculture and water and sewer,” Commissioner Paul Johnson said Friday afternoon.
The final amount included renovations to the Amos and Smith building in Pilot Mountain for expanded education in that community from Surry Community College for $343,613; repairs to the outside of the building for $75,000; and another $100,000 for an agriculture center which also will be housed in the building.
Elkin officials seemed pleased with the $200,000 which was allocated to renovate a building in there, which will be used for college education purposes as well. The total amount for both towns’ education needs came to $718,613.
The group also agreed to leave $200,000 in the plan to expand water and sewer lines to the Fibrowatt plant slated for construction just outside of Elkin. Another water project which will extend water lines to Tobe Hudson Road was allocated $150,000 and another $86,000 from the original project list for an Interstates Sewer Force Main to Mount Airy was left at its original cost.
Surry County Commissioner Chairman Craig Hunter said Friday afternoon he is pleased to see the Golden LEAF Foundation sending money to benefit the county.
“On the Golden LEAF funding, Surry County and the board of county commissioners are extremely excited about the $2 million plus funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation for the three to four efforts identified as top priorities from community leaders across the county. The town of Pilot Mountain and town of Elkin initiatives to foster satellite campuses of Surry Community College in their communities for job training/retraining will have a long lasting positive impact on all our citizens. The funding allocation for sewer extension work for the Interstates District is likewise warmly welcomed and will have immediate impacts to that growth corridor and our citizens,” Hunter said.
“What is most exciting and impressive is that the county and the four municipalities were able to come together in a positive proactive manner and all work together toward a few narrowed down goals and in one of only a few times in my adult life did I actually see some true community spirit and camaraderie from all involved and at times putting others before self. I am very proud of our county, all those folks who were involved in the process and we thank Golden LEAF and its board for the leadership and vision to get these funds out on ‘main street’ where our citizens know best where those kinds of funds should and need to be deployed,” Hunter concluded.
These projects were selected as priorities by a review team of more than 50 citizens of Surry County who participated in a series of public forums.
Grant agreement packages are being prepared and will be forwarded to each grant recipient. Funds will be disbursed according to the guidelines and conditions set forth in each individual grant agreement.
“Golden LEAF is excited about the Community Assistance Initiative process, as it addresses the unique needs and concerns of communities, and we are grateful for the determination of Surry County leaders and citizens to find common ground around priority projects,” said Dan Gerlach, president of Golden LEAF. “Our hope is that these grants that support workforce training and infrastructure development will have a lasting effect on the county, will prepare hard-working Surry County citizens for new jobs and will spur economic growth.”
The Golden LEAF Community Assistance Initiative assists Tier 1 counties with projects which will help to stimulate economic activity or provide assistance in overcoming barriers to economic transition or community progress.
Golden LEAF officials said they plan to schedule a celebration and check presentation ceremony in Surry County, but a date has not yet been set.
Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.
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