By Ed Simmons, Jr.
cpreporter@lcs.net
Though Phase Two of the Dawn Wastewater Plan is still planned, one key player - Quin Rivers - will have to withdrawn due to General Assembly budget cuts, effective June 30.
"We'll just have to find somebody to take their place," said County Administrator Percy Ashcraft.
Quin Rivers, a rural economic development non-profit based in New Kent County, was helping the Dawn Project with housing replacement and interior plumbing repairs. Chuck Emmons, executive director of Quin Rivers, said the state cut their budget by $150,000. The agency's survival is not however threatened, he noted. "It's just the normal ebb and flow of funding, particularly now due to the economic hard times," he said.
A Caroline benefactor, Quin Rivers has built or refurbished 41 homes here, launched the county's Head Start program and helped create Caroline's Promise. Currently, Quin Rivers operates the Community Food Program staffed by Lindsey Williams and her assistant Noell Rothbun. April 17 they plant their sixth garden to provide fresh produce to food pantries at St. Mary's, Bethel U.M.C. and Social Services.
Quin Rivers also funds an aide at Social Services to help with the upswing in intakes. Alan Partin, Assistant County Administrator, said Phase Two is still in the developmental stages and seeking funding. Community organizer George Masten encouraged residents to call Irene Fields at 994-2258 to complete paperwork.