The Tyler County Local Emergency Planning Committee met on Thursday, May 5,at the senior center in Middlebourne. Tyler County Emergency Management Director Tom Cooper expressed his appreciation to Jay Bee Oil and Gas for sponsoring this month’s breakfast. He also mentioned they are in need of a breakfast sponsor for the month of June.

Under General Business, Cooper said they have been working with the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council on the Hazard Mitigation Plan Development. He said they are running one year behind, but they have a plan which includes dealing with all kinds of potential hazards.and have been approved for grants.

While talking about grants he mentioned they have applied for and are working on the mitigation grant for the LED message board for the Middlebourne senior center. They have been asked to apply for a mitigation grant for an LED message board for the Alma Fire Station as well.

Cooper is actively seeking to get the Coast Guard Huntington Port Security grant.He said it is a 100 million dollar grant that can be applied for in amounts of $25,000 without matching funds. He is trying to get security grants for Sistersville and Paden City parks around the Ferry landing in Sistersville and the boat ramp in Paden City plus expanded areas throughout the parks.

Cooper said the Law Enforcement CSI Trailer grant has been received and work has been done on the trailer.He added itás nearly complete and on schedule. He is trying to get a few more cabinets installed.

The 2019 EMPG grant has been sent out and the 2020 EMPG COVID Supplemental grant is stillbeing worked on.

Cooper spoke about the committee’s planning, training, and exercises.He said the “Pay that Dog!” training was held April 29 – May 1, and was a success. He added Search management training was scheduled for Saturday May 7 and Wilderness Animal First Aid training will be June 11. He said there will be K-9 handlers who will teach how to take care of the dogs in the wilderness. Also the Wetzel/Tyler Health Department will be offering Narcon administration training.

On October 19 and 20 there will be Air Force Search and Rescue Training.He said an instructor from the Air Force will come in and do the training. He is also working on setting up Wilderness Survival and Man Tracking training.

Cooper mentioned the Wetzel/Tyler Health Department will be holding COVID vaccination and testing clinics at their office in Paden City.In Sistersville the RAD-X Team will be doing COVID testing every Wednesday from 11-3 at the VFD.

Cooper gave an update on the Spill Trailer, saying it was ready to go and had recently been restocked by Jay Bee oil and gas and MPLX. He also mentioned the Surf Rescue Vessel has been getting worked on and is running but needs a little more work.It will also get repainted.

Antero’s Aaron Goddard gave an update on the upcoming Hero’s expo event planned for June 17 and 18.

Guest speaker for the day was Bryce Barnes, owner operator of Parkersburg Camera Pros,who discussed the proposed security camera project for local critical infrastructure.

The next meeting of the L.E.P.C. is scheduled for June 2, 2022, at the senior center in Middlebourne.