Last week, at the Mon-Forest Towns Partnership quarterly board meeting in Elkins, a reference was repeated that was often used in the early organizational days of the partnership. We likened the work to “building the plane while we flew it.” Some of the work still feels that way.
Another term often used for the original 10 Towns was “Rising tides lift all ships.” Now, Durbin is one of 12 proverbial ships being lifted. How is this happening?
Some will remember, just over a year ago, Durbin was included in a presentation made to the Pocahontas County Commission on behalf of both MFTs in the county. Seed monies were made available for projects that had potential to advance the community’s goals and lift the local economy.
In Durbin’s case, a website for the Town was a doable project that was agreed upon to be a good first step. So, the first official use of donated funds was to match other Town and private funds. This project is a perfect example of public-private partnership and will provide the ability for local businesses and The Town of Durbin to sell the many services and recreational assets that Durbin has. This website puts Durbin in “the game” with other towns, that do not have these many and diverse assets.
Through the MFTP grant-writer, other Grant opportunities are being pursued. More times than not, grant applications have a tight window for responding. The up-front matching-funds were an obstacle in the past. In the future, making sure the “Match-Funding” creates the most return will be the focus. That can make all the difference.
So, if you have not visited the newly constructed webpage for Durbin, go to it today. From the website you can meet town government, see events, find forms and documents, pay bills and even make a donation. The great job with photography and lay-out should make you proud.
Discover Durbin — VISIT DURBIN
