ROANOKE TIMES

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, August 17, 1995                   TAG: 9508170072
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium


VINTON GETS NO WORD ON FLOOD GRANT

Greg Secrist is keeping a lookout in two directions these days - one to Richmond and the other toward the Atlantic Ocean hurricanes.

Both are keeping him somewhat on pins and needles.

Secrist is Vinton's assistant town manager/engineer and mentor of an application for flood control funds to use in the town's flood-prone Midway area.

He attended Tuesday's Vinton Town Council meeting but did not make a report to council. However, when asked by a reporter, he said he has no word on the fate of the grant application.

But, he said, there's a possibility of flooding very soon. Hurricane Felix, which was forecasted to hit the North Carolina and Virginia coasts Wednesday night, is expected to bring rain - possibly heavy - to the Roanoke Valley, he explained, and that rain could cause flooding, especially in Midway.

But, he added, "now is as good a time as any to get a heavy rain. As dry as the ground is, rain would be quickly soaked up."

While Secrist had his mind on another possible flood in Midway, Town Council went through a rather routine agenda.

It approved a Fifth Planning District Commission proposal that allows the City of Roanoke to become the fiscal agent to receive Rehabilitation Services Incentive Fund monies.

If the other localities in the planning commission's area approves the proposal, Roanoke will receive $25,290 and dispense it to help localities pay for services for the physically handicapped.

In other action:

Council approved an application for a narcotics assistance grant of $2,760 to help finance the purchase of 18 remote radio units for the Police Department.

Council approved an expenditure of $1,500 for a computer software program that will help the town treasurer keep a more complete track on spending. Town Manager Clay Goodman said spending is being fully monitored now but this computer software will make it faster and more extensive.



 by CNB