Ohio County's commissioners are still waiting to learn if they will be allowed to use an additional $30 million in tax increment financing for The Highlands.
After a regular meeting Wednesday, Administrator Greg Stewart said the county's application has yet to be approved by the state Development Office.
''I think they had a meeting on it. We haven't heard the outcome of that,'' Stewart said.
The application would amend the original TIF plan for the development site. It calls for an additional $30 million in TIF bonds to be sold to provide revenue for more development at The Highlands, including infrastructure work related to a planned Wild Escape Theme Park.
Stewart said previously that the entire amount would not be sought and used all at once. The county may seek $5 million to $10 million at first, he said.
During the meeting, with the commission acting as the pass-through agency, Commissioners Randy Wharton, Tim McCormick and David Sims approved the following grants:
Commissioners also approved hotel/motel tax funding requests: $1,500 for the Italian Festival, $500 for the West Virginia High School Hockey Championship and $250 for the Tri-State Basketball Challenge. A funding request from the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Basketball Game was tabled.
The village of Clearview's municipal races will be placed on Ohio County's May primary election ballot, it was announced.
''This will save them a little bit of money. ... And it makes sense for the voters,'' Stewart said.
Commissioners also received notice from the state Alcohol Beverage Control Commission that two different bars have applied for alcohol licenses. Stewart noted the Wild Wild West bar will be located at the former Lido Deck near Stratford Springs off W.Va. 88, and the The Circle is situated near the Dallas Pike truck stop.
The commission is scheduled to next meet at 6 p.m. March 2 in its boardroom, second floor of the City-County Building, 1500 Chapline St., Wheeling.