Bath County Airport Requests Funding Help From Supervisors

Warm Springs, VA – The Bath County airport needs money to keep operating. At Tuesday night’s Bath Board of Supervisors meeting Airport Authority Chairman Paul Howell asked the board for $20,000 to fund the airport during the winter. He said without the funding, the airport will run out of money at year’s end.

Howell said in order to save money, the airport will not be staffed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the winter. The airport will remain open, but only one part time manager and one part time employee will work. Supervisor Jon Trees said the county cannot let the airport close and with tourism efforts underway and the airport being an asset, he said the board should consider the request.

Supervisor Richard Byrd responded saying there are no expenditures for the airport in the proposed tourism budget. The board tabled the request until its December meeting, when the board will have reviewed the proposed tourism budget.

The board recognized Mrs. Mimi Byrd Keyser for her work on behalf of the community. She received a commendation for her efforts in picking up trash along Route 220 in Ashwood. She has also been recognized as a part of the Adopt A Highway program by the Virginia Department of Highways.

Also on Tuesday night, the board approved exploring the possibility of having an economic development plan for the county created by Virginia Tech. This plan would be coordinated with the tourism plan, which was also created by Virginia Tech.

And the board also approved staff to pursue a grant for recreational trail development. Tourism Director Maggie Anderson and County Administrator Bonnie Johnson will report back to the board in December on a grant topic and matching amounts that are required.

May 24 was set by the board as the end date for the Board of Equalizations hearings on the new reassessment. Also on Tuesday night Trudy Woodzell was appointed to the Planning Commission. Claudia Campbell was appointed to continue serving on the Bath-Highland Disability Services Board.

And Chairman Richard Byrd appointed a committee to look at complaints received about aggressive dogs in Millboro. Supervisor Carol Hardbarger, Charlie Hamilton, Rocky Phillips, Supervisor Jon Trees, Animal Control Officer Robbie Chestnut, County Administrator Bonnie Johnson and Sheriff Larry Norfleet will serve on the committee.