HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A large delegation from the City of Huntington was recognized during Senate and House of Delegates floor sessions Monday at the state capitol for the city’s recent victory in the America’s Best Communities competition.
Resolutions were passed by both bodies. The House and Senate resumed their special session on the budget Monday.
Huntington learned April 19 it had won the competition and a $3 million check. The funds will go toward four revitalization and development projects, known as the Huntington Innovation Project (“HIP”) revitalization.
The city did not try to cover up its problems during the three-year competition, Senator Bob Plymale (D-Wayne) told fellow senators.
“They embraced their issues. They addressed it in the plan,” Plymale said.
Following last month’s victory, Mayor Steve Williams said for too many years, people from outside of Huntington have been commenting on the city’s problems.
“This is worst to first,” he said.
Revitalization is planned for the Fairfield, Highlawn, West End and other communities, Plymale said.
“This is a bold plan. The mayor would make many speeches and if you ever heard one you knew he said, ‘make no little plans,’ and he made no little plan. This is no little plan,” Plymale said.