KEYSER, W.Va. — Though Mineral County Day took place just over one week ago, some county officials are optimistic that they’re already seeing rewards for their efforts at the state level.

Officials, business owners and residents travel annually to Charleston to talk with state lawmakers and staff about the county’s needs and progress. This year’s event, held on Jan. 14, began with a meeting with Gov. Joe Manchin, and also included meetings with the Department of Highways, as well as the departments of Commerce and Health and Human Resources.

One of the earliest responses to Mineral County Day requests came from state Delegate Robert Schadler, who said Friday that he and other members of the delegation will be meeting with the governor's office on Monday to discuss supporting the establishment of a much-needed longterm drug and alcohol treatment facility in the area.

That item was included on the county’s wish list for the Department of Health and Human Resources. County officials had outlined a proposed project to establish such a facility at the old Potomac Valley Hospital, through a partnership between the Allegheny Mountain House substance abuse counseling center and a Garrett County faith-based rehabilitative organization.

Mona Ridder, executive director of the county Development Authority, said she already received some encouraging feedback on another major local project, the countywide broadband initiative more commonly known as MineralVision.

Ridder presented the project in a meeting with Kelley Goes, cabinet secretary for the Department of Commerce. Ridder said Goes’ response to the MineralVision initiative was positive, and Goes requested Ridder return to Charleston and give another presentation before a state broadband committee.

Anne Palmer, executive director of the county Chamber of Commerce, said she’s optimistic that some of the county’s water projects discussed on Mineral County Day might also receive state help, as they have in previous years. Projects that have received funding assistance in the past include the first phase of the northern Mineral County sewer system project.

This year, the county’s water project wish list included phase two of that project, which would cost an estimated $19 million and expand service to 1,300 new customers, as well as the $3,975,000 Fountain Public Service District water system improvement project that has been approved by the Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council and is now awaiting funding. Some smaller projects were also mentioned for the Keyser and Piedmont water treatment plants, the Keyser municipal water system, the Piedmont sewer system, and in Elk Garden, where officials would like to install fire hydrants.

But overall, officials said the most valuable outcome of Mineral County Day was the opportunity for face time with state lawmakers and staff.

“The most meaningful outcome centers around refreshed relationships and shared points of view on important county-related issues,” said County Commission President Wayne Spiggle.

To mark the day, Manchin presented county officials with a proclamation officially recognizing Jan. 14, 2010, as Mineral County Day. Piedmont Mayor Ebbie Gilmore also accepted a certificate honoring Piedmont native Don Redman, a famous jazz musician who collaborated with the likes of Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey in the 1920s and even had a music-related television show on CBS in 1949.

Palmer said Mineral County Day has become so successful that people from other counties asked for the secret to pulling off a similar event. But she said she and other Mineral officials won’t be giving that information away so easily.

“No, we’re not telling,” Palmer said. “We’ve worked for 10 years to get where we are now.”

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