Polk applies for Rural Operating Assistance Funding

• The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved applying for the annual Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) funding for its transportation authority during its Sept. 9 meeting. The county is applying for $121,852, including $53,714 for elderly and disabled transportation assistance, $6,992 for employment transportation and $61,146 for the rural general public. ROAP is state funding administered by the N.C. Department of Transportation, Public Transportation Division that provides funding annually for the operating costs of passenger trips within counties.

Polk supports military suicide awareness month

• The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution on Sept. 9 in support of September being military suicide awareness month. From Jan. 1, 2012 through Dec. 31, 2012, there were 349 active duty suicides, which was 54 more than those killed in action during the same period. The Veteran’s Administration estimates that a veteran commits suicide every 65 minutes, which is 8,760 per year, representing 20 percent of all American suicides.

Polk proclaims Sept. 20 as POW/MIA recognition day

• The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution on Sept. 9 proclaiming September 2013 as Polk County POW/MIA month and Sept. 20, 2013 as Polk County POW/MIA Recognition Day. A stark black and white banner symbolizing America’s missing in action and prisoners of war will be flown over the Polk County Courthouse, at Veterans Park in Columbus and at the post office as well as other locations across the country on Sept 20. “We raise this flag as a solemn reminder of our obligation to always remember the sacrifices made to defend our nation,” states the county’s proclamation.

Polk approves resolution in support of Interstate 74 to Wilmington

• Polk County Commissioner Ted Owens reported at the county’s Sept. 9 meeting that all counties involved in the future Interstate 74 from Polk to Wilmington approved a resolution in support of the interstate at a recent N.C. Association of County Commissioners. Owens reviewed the economic development benefits of the corridor and showed maps of how the planned interstate will connect Polk to the port of Wilmington in the future.