Appy sets CARES plans

Appalachia has shared what the town plans to do with its portion of federal COVID-19 assistance money.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a $2 trillion-plus economic stimulus bill that was signed into law in late March. Along with individuals and households, CARES Act money went to localities.

According to Town Manager Fred Luntsford, via the town’s Facebook page, the town plans to build an addition to its shop building. The addition will be used by the fire department, which also provides rescue services.

Other smaller purchases already made include a pressure washer, hand sanitizer and masks.
“There will also be a decontamination location for any town or county personnel to include vehicles and school buses,” wrote Luntsford.

Funding for the decontamination location will come from the county’s CARES Act funding, not the town’s. Another decontamination location will be located at the Wise County Justice Center in Wise.

The county also approved funding for new ambulances for Appalachia, Big Stone Gap and Valley rescue squads and is working with other parts of the county. Luntsford explained that the ambulances are designed to reduce the possibility of contamination between personnel and patients.

According to Clerk/Treasurer Yvonne Isom, Appalachia should receive about $80,000 in funding.

Luntsford stated that in Virginia, “the funding is controlled by each Virginia county for county and town purchases.” He added that “all purchases are screened by county/city officials and is available by reimbursement only.”

It is unclear when construction on the addition to the town shop and the decontamination location will begin.