Enlisting Concerned Citizens' Assistance

 

To formally request records from the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation (GVEDC), which serves Greenbrier, Monroe, and Pocahontas counties, you should cite the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq.).

Below is a drafted letter addressed to the GVEDC on behalf of the citizens of Pocahontas County.

---

[Current Date]

Ruthana Beezley, Executive Director

Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation

804 Industrial Park Road, Suite 5

Maxwelton, WV 24957

RE: Freedom of Information Act Request – Land Transfers and Property Records (Pocahontas County)

Dear Director Beezley,

Pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq.), we, the citizens of Pocahontas County, West Virginia, hereby request to inspect and/or receive copies of all public records maintained by the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation (GVEDC) regarding land transfers and property holdings within Pocahontas County.

Specifically, we are requesting the following:

1. Land Transfer Records: Any and all deeds, contracts of sale, lease-purchase agreements, or quitclaim deeds involving real property situated in Pocahontas County where the GVEDC (or any subsidiary/associated entity) is named as either the Grantor or Grantee.

2. Inventory of Holdings: A current list of all real estate assets, parcels, or rights-of-way currently owned or managed by the GVEDC within Pocahontas County, including Tax Map and Parcel identification numbers.

3. Meeting Minutes & Resolutions: Copies of any board meeting minutes or official resolutions where the acquisition, sale, transfer, or encumbrance of property in Pocahontas County was authorized or discussed.

4. Financial Disclosures: Records of any consideration, grants, or public funds utilized for the acquisition or development of such properties in Pocahontas County.

Request for Digital Format & Waiver of Fees

If these records exist in electronic or digital form, we request that they be provided in that format (e.g., PDF) to reduce costs and administrative burden. Furthermore, as this request is made in the public interest to ensure transparency regarding regional economic development and the use of public resources, we respectfully request a waiver of any search or duplication fees. If fees are to be assessed, please notify us if the total will exceed $25.00 before proceeding.

Response Deadline

As per W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3(d), a response is required within five (5) business days of your receipt of this request. If this request is denied in whole or in part, please cite the specific statutory exemption that justifies the withholding of information.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter on behalf of the residents of Pocahontas County.

Sincerely,

[Your Name/Signature]

On behalf of the Citizens of Pocahontas County, West Virginia

[Your Address/Phone/Email]

---

Key Information for Your Filing

• The Agency: The GVEDC is the "public body" under state law because it performs essential governmental functions and receives public funding from the participating counties.

• The Timeline: Under West Virginia law, they have 5 business days to either provide the records, give you a date for inspection, or issue a formal written denial.

• Property Focus: If you have a specific property in mind (like a business park or the Jacmal vicinity), adding the specific Tax Map and Parcel number to the list above will make it harder for them to claim the request is "vague."