
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 1, 1991                   TAG: 9103010373
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

BATH MAY JOIN TWO PLANNING COMMISSIONS

The General Assembly has approved legislation that would allow Bath County to be a member of both the Central Shenandoah and Fifth Planning District commissions.

Bath County, which has been a member of the Central Shenandoah Commission since the state's regional planning districts were created two decades ago, sought the legislation because of its ties with the Alleghany Highlands area and with the Roanoke Valley.

The Central Shenandoah commission, which is based in Staunton, includes 10 localities in the Shenandoah Valley. The Fifth Planning District Commission, based in Roanoke, covers nine localities.

Bath County officials have expressed an interest in joining the Roanoke-based commission because they said many county residents travel to Roanoke to shop, obtain medical services and attend recreational and cultural events.

Wayne Strickland, executive director of the Fifth Planning District Commission, said Thursday that the legislation does not require Bath to become a member. The conditions and terms would have to be negotiated with county officials, he said. The commission voted to notify Bath it is willing to discuss the issue.

by CNB