Millsop may benefit from stimulus

The Weirton Millsop Community Center could benefit from an energy efficiency grant in the amount of $82,500 available to the City of Weirton through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

City officials were recently informed that the city qualified to receive the energy efficiency grant for projects that were considered "shovel ready." City Manager Gary DuFour stated that although the center could benefit from the funds, the city is the official recipient.

Parks and Recreations Director Terry Weigel had been working to budget the left over funds from the facade project into the interior renovations. He stated when he learned of this grant, he proposed the interior renovations project at the community center as a shovel ready project.

"We were already getting estimates on what it would cost to do the renovations to the front lobby area as well as the Rose Room," he said.

Weigel said he has been working with Community Development Block Grant Administrator Beth Gaughan on the paperwork and information about the project. He stated that Gaughan is filling out the application on behalf of the city while he is providing her with the information on the project.

During a February meeting, Weigel said they already are moving forward with renovation plans for the inside lobby that will become the center's meeting room.

"That room in particular would be nice for meetings, presentations and other things because it has the mural, the bust of Kennedy and more things to come," he said.

Weigel said they are looking for flooring that will allow the current Rose Room to be a multi-purpose room for aerobics as well as events. He said they will continue to renovate inside and out to improve the quality of the center for its patrons. Some of the renovations set to take place are new lights, a lowered ceiling, and the heating and air ducts.

Weigel stated that specific modifications to the two rooms would include LED lights, a new heating and cooling system, and possibly new windows. He said these items were a part of the original project the Park Board wanted to move forward with already, but funds could only be stretched so far.

Gaughan was not available for comment.

(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)