Robbinsville – In a span of just 50 minutes on Sept. 17, the Graham County Board of Commissioners presented a bevy of information to the community.
At the forefront was an update on the status of Corridor K. N.C. Department of Transportation engineer Joshua Deyton discussed the latest scenario for the long-discussed highway, including an approximately 1-mile tunnel at the intersection of N.C. 28 North and N.C. 143 (Sweetwater Road) in Stecoah and improvements, such as bridges on Five Points Road in Robbinsville, due to the landscape.
Two meetings are scheduled with environmental agencies in October and February about the proposals.
“What we’re trying to do is move the project forward with the proposals that we have,” Deyton said.
Additionally, a pair of roads within Graham County received special recognition. Joyce Kilmer Road was added to the state system of roads, while Tapoco Road (U.S. 129 North) will now be known as “Ronnie Milsap Highway.”
The legendary country music singer and Robbinsville native sent word through representatives to Commissioner Lynn Cody that he was ecstatic about the honor, but quipped to the board, “Do not adopt a road with a lot of blind curves.”
In other news from the county meeting:
* Sheriff Joseph Jones brought the board’s attention to keycard issues at the courthouse, which is where inmates are housed. Three doors need fixing and may cost $10,000.
* Chief Deputy Chuck Stewart presented a quote for a new lot at the Graham County Sheriff’s Office, including building an access road and a concrete pad. The estimate from Athens Contracting was $48,000.
* Economic Development Director Sophia Paulos announced the county will soon be hosting a “speed test” to show just how much more room Graham has to grow in terms of internet speeds. Paulos indicated that the county will be applying for grants to help improve the service.
* A CT-5311 Administrative Grant request was approved. The amount of $381,056 has been requested, with a local share of $43,980. Included in that number is the need to replace five vehicles – transit Director Juanita Colvard pointed out that each have already topped 100,000 miles – and they should be received in March or April, 2021, should the grant be approved.
* The Graham County Senior Center received approval to apply for a 5310 Grant, with the amount requested by center Director Wanda Hill totaling $18,686 and a local match of $9,470.
* The general checking account balance was $7,872,592.48 on Aug. 31, according to County Manager Becky Garland. Taxes collected through Aug. 31 were $416,345, while $25,185 is still owed.