Allegany County approves Dwyer veteran flights, fair booth and trailer paid by Dwyer grant

The Allegany County Ways and Means Committee on May 21 approved three measures to support the county's Dwyer veteran program: a services agreement to bring a World War II C-47 to a July 19 event, a county booth at the county fair, and purchase of a trailer to store program materials.

The measures were presented by a county staff member overseeing the Dwyer program, who said, "So we have 3 MOEs, all related to the Dwyer veteran program. The 1 is requesting a resolution and services agreement with the historical aircraft group, National Warplane Museum. So we're doing a Dwyer event on July 19. It's gonna be a cost of $9,165. We're bringing in, a World War 2 c 47 from Geneseo Whiskey 7, if you ever heard of it." The staff member added that the 36 sponsored veteran flights would first be offered to county veterans and then opened to paid applicants.

Why it matters: the events and equipment are intended to expand access to veteran experiences paid for by Dwyer program funds rather than county general funds. The staff member said the plane flight and other expenses are "paid for through our Dwyer grant and no local share."

Most important details: the services agreement with the National Warplane Museum covers bringing a C-47 to Allegany County for a July 19 Dwyer event at an estimated cost of $9,165. The flights will sponsor 36 veterans; after those bookings are offered to veterans, the program intends to open applications for paid participants. The staff member said the C-47 will fly from the Wellsville Airport over Wellsville during the balloon rally weekend and will circle above the Angelica Fair.

The committee also approved a request to contract with the Allegany County Agricultural Society for a fair booth at a cost of $180 and said the county Veterans Organization will help staff the booth. Separately, County Administrator staff sought and the committee approved the county's routine annual support of $8,000 to the Allegany County Agricultural Society; that motion was approved later in the meeting.

Finally, the committee approved purchase of a 7-by-12-foot single-axle trailer for $6,995 to store Dwyer program equipment. The presenting staff member said the Department of Public Works assisted in identifying the required trailer and soliciting quotes and that DPW has offered towing support when needed. When asked where the trailer will be stored, the staff member said, "I believe on the Court Street lot is where we're talking about." The staff member said county vehicles or personal vehicles with hitches have been used to move equipment and that DPW would assist with towing as needed.

Discussion and safeguards: Committee members asked whether there would be any interaction between the airplane and the balloon rally operations. The Committee Chair asked, "Not any planned interactions with the airplane and the balloons just for fun?" The presenting staff member responded that contract language will include disclaimers, saying, "I'm hoping that Nelson's contract has some strong disclaimer language in there. It's not a problem."

All three Dwyer-related items were moved and approved by voice vote during the meeting. The staff member and multiple committee members noted the expenditures are covered by the Dwyer grant and do not require a local match.

Ending: The Dwyer program's flights, fair presence and trailer purchase move forward under the Dwyer grant; the staff member said participants beyond county veterans will be able to apply for paid seats after the veteran slots are offered.