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PARKERSBURG -Wood County commissioners agreed to write letters of support in hopes of garnering $3 million to $8 million in federal stimulus grant funding for nutrition education and creating healthier lifestyles.

Keri Kennedy, with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources' Office of Health Lifestyles in Charleston, spoke with commissioners and Dick Wittberg, executive director of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, on Thursday via phone conference regarding the grant possibilities.

"We have an opportunity to apply for stimulus funding for about $7 million. The Centers for Disease Control has put out competitive grant funding for an opportunity to work on nutrition and healthy lifestyles issues. Because of our population, and related health issues, it makes our state more competitive for the grant funding," Kennedy said, noting the state would partner with the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, which covers six counties, including Wood.

"The funds could include a media campaign, seeking public support and education to promote physical activity, nutrition, and related issues. The spotlight would be on programs that are ongoing, working with counties and schools, hoping to expand existing programs like walking trails, for instance," Kennedy noted.

"The funding cannot be used for construction, but it can be used for engineering and planning," Wittberg said.

No local funding match would be needed,

DHHR officials said the area might see $5 million nto $7 million if a grant is awarded.

The funds would be available in February if the grant is awarded, Wittberg said.

"It might be a source for funding for projects like extension of the North Bend Rail Trail, or the river trail to Williamstown, which would involve several jurisdictions. It would be a longer term project for down the road, but we have to start somewhere," Wittberg said.

"The intent of the funds is to generate jobs," Wittberg noted. He told the commissioners a local planning team has been organized, which includes himself, as well as officials with West Virginia University at Parkersburg and the Wood County Schools.

"I believe we have a good chance at getting the money. The state would take about 25 percent of the funds, but that would still leave us with a lot of funding and we would have two years to spend it. The committee is working on a good plan for the use of the funds so if we do get the money we can hit the ground running," Wittberg said.

The commissioners agreed to write letters of support for the proposed grant.

"It sounds like a home run, and if there's anything else we can do besides just the letters of support, just let us know," Commissioner Blair Couch said.