AGENDA
11-18-04
WELCOME – PRESTON
INTRODUCTIONS AND AGENDA APPROVAL
REVIEW OF
STATUS REPORT ON LETTERS OF UNDERSTANDING – STEVE BAKER
REVIEW OF LAST MEETING
REPORTING OF CURRENT EVENTS ALONG THE ROAD
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FUNDING AND GOV. RELATIONS – DEB CLATTERBUCK, GARY HOWELL, OTHERS
WV DOT UP-DATE – BILL WOODS, OTHERS
UP-DATE ON OTHER REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ISSUES – DAVID MOE
GENERAL DISCUSSION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEXT MEETING
Rt. 50 ASSOCIATION MEETING
Penn Alps,
Garrett County Commissioner Dave Beard welcomed the group to his home
county and gave a quick verbal tour.
Introductions and Agenda
Wayne Spiggle as facilitator made the introductions and introduced the
agenda.
Minutes
The group approved the minutes from the
New Members
Spiggle led conversation about increasing the group to include Barbour
County, WV who has not had any representation until this point.
Naming of 2-state portion of Rt. 50
Naming of the 2-state portion of Rt. 50 was discussed extensively.
Northwestern Turnpike,
suggested. It was also noted that this group was not a democracy and
was ruled by consensus. Commissioner Dave Beard made a motion to table
this issue, Les Shoemaker seconded and the group agreed.
Scenic By-way Task Force
Deb Clatterbuck reported that the Scenic Byway Task Force had met on
July 14th and discussed the Federal Scenic Byways program. The most
significant benefit in being a Byway is the 80/20 match of funds from
the federal government. There are strict sign regulations such as been
brought to light by the George’s Creek Coal Heritage Trail. The Task
Force recommends tabling this issue until dual lane and alternate
routes can be reviewed which may leave portions of the original
roadbeds to be designated as Scenic By-ways.
The Task Force then discussed the need to lobby the politicians on
state ands federal levels to gain support for our project at this
crucial political time. The group decided to change the Scenic Byway
Task Force to the Rt. 50 Federal Liaison Committee to gather political
support for initiatives and future funding. Deb Clatterbuck will chair
this committee.
Rt. 50 Study
Discussion was led by Brian Carr, WVDOT, on the 3 layers of roadway
enhancements. Traffic dictates improvements; decisive factors are
accidents, passing problems, bridges, straightening curves, high volume
intersections and turn lanes. A 3-tier goal system in more successful.
Smaller projects like turning and passing lanes seem to be more
immediate. Mid-grade projects such as realignment of roadways and
bridges take more time and money. High level projects like 4-lane
roadways require the most planning.
Senator Jon Hunter and Taylor County DOT Larry Weaver pointed out that
building roadways does not always bring growth.
still hosts a 4-lane section that has not been developed. Grady
Bradfield suggested using existing road as 2-lane in one direction and
building a second parallel roadway for opposing traffic.
Brian Carr stated there was a need to gather info including roadway
classifications, arterial route priorities, design criteria, expected
level of service opportunities, effects of Corridor H, highway capacity
analysis, high hazard study, 20 years of traffic reports and the impact
on Economic Development along the route.
Dave Moe made a motion that the group support a long term goal for a
4-lane roadway that would meet or exceed the existing plan for the
multi-state area of
Bradfield seconded and it carried.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on
Adjournment
Wayne Spiggle adjourned the meeting atROUTE 50 ASSOCIATION MEETING
MAY 19, 2004
POLISH PINES RESTAURANT, KEYSER, WV
County Commissioner Cindy Pyles opened the meeting by welcoming attendees to Mineral County. She noted that the group’s efforts to improve U.S. Route 50 is extremely important to supporting economic growth IN THE REGION.
Dr. Wayne Spiggle reviewed the minutes of the March 17, 2004 meeting noting some of the comments received from the counties regarding needed improvements within their respective jurisdictions. The following items from the prior meeting were also discussed.
• Communication from Bill Wood, WVDOH, indicating that DOH would begin collecting information on road and bridge conditions, traffic counts and accident information in an effort to prepare a study of needs on Route 50 from I-79 east to the Virginia state line. Comments and concerns generated through this Association would be incorporated into the study. The report is expected to take up to one year to complete.
• Memorandum of Understanding A draft memorandum of understanding was given to each county commission. The memorandum sets forth the purpose of the Association and establishes the mechanism for each commission to officially recognize and participate in its activities. Any changes to wording should be provided to Michael Bland, Mineral County Coordinator.
• Naming of U.S. Route 50 Discussion indicated the most likely name would either be the George Washington Highway or Northwestern Turnpike. No final consensus was obtained.
Dr. Spiggle welcomed Richard Hartman and Mike White, WVDOH, who would participate later in the meeting.
• Designation is requested by the local group based on the intrinsic qualities of the route being promoted (i.e. historic, cultural, scenic, recreational, etc.). The naming of the by-way would normally be tied to the identified qualities.
Funds may be used for signage, scenic easements, scenic pull-offs and management. Funds are not used for general road improvements or maintenance.
• Designation does not help or hurt monies available for maintenance.
• Designation prevents any additional roadside signage for commercial advertisement and business. Businesses along the route would be restricted to a sign at their place of business.
• By-way projects approved last year have not yet been funded.
• Designated by-way name does not impact 911 or local addressing.
• Advised that the Route 50 Association needed to develop a unified strategy and speak as a single group.
Frank O’Hara, Mineral County, made a brief presentation on existing accident data and safety concerns on Route 50. Statistics included factors related to the accident including driver age, weather conditions, time of day and location. Mineral County has the highest mortality rate in the State based on percentage of accidents and Hampshire County is 5th.
David Moe, Garrett County, Update on North-South Corridor Study In fiscal year 2003, Congress appropriated $2 million to study the U.S. Route 220 corridor. The purpose of the study was to develop a recommended north/south connection between I-68 in Maryland and Corridor H in West Virginia. Initial funding provided $1.5 million to West Virginia and $0.5 million to Maryland. Congress appropriated an additional $1 million for Maryland in fiscal year 2004, however those funds have not fully authorized.
A memorandum of understanding outlining the conditions and parameters for the study has been prepared and approved by West Virginia.
Maryland has not approved the memorandum to date. A meeting between West Virginia and Maryland to include discussion of the memo is scheduled for May 26, 2004.
Once a route is determined, an additional factor will be the construction standards for the highway. The four-lane would either be built to Appalachian Highway Standards or Interstate Standards. The Interstate Designation would be important to economic development for its significance to industry looking for new sites.
Dr Spiggle concluded the meeting with discussion on the following:
• Route 50 Association Is intended to be a partnership with DOH in promoting improvements to the route.
• Deb Clatterbuck will chair a committee on whether by-way designation should be pursued for U.S. Route 50. Persons interested in participating in those discussions should contact her.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 21`, 2004 at the Penn Alps Restaurant, Grantsville, Maryland. Lunch at 12:00 noon, followed by the business meeting at 1:00 PM.
Route 50 Association Meeting
Dr. Spiggle gave a brief overview of the formation of the Route 50 Association.
o Grant and Mineral County Commissions had safety concerns of Route 50 in those counties.
o After a meeting to discuss these concerns in those two counties an idea was conceived to form a group to speak on common grounds for safety and modernization of Route 50
o Route 50 is one of only a few of east-to-west roads in the country
o Route 50 is a national road
o Idea to build around county commissions from
o All counties along Route 50 have expressed interest in this goal
o To organize, meetings will take place in counties along Route 50
o Identify improvement groups to be involved—Chambers of Commerce, Development Authorities, etc.
o As a result of previous meetings, two documents were defined—a strategic plan and guidelines for the group
o Two issues that came to the forefront were a need to do a memo of understanding and money to make the process work
o Last meeting was held in Garrett County, Maryland in January
A review of the minutes from the January meeting, Mr. Bill Wood of the WVDOH stated that the first concern of the DOH is safety; 4-laning is more for function not for number of travelers; outlined that section from Grafton to
Dr. Spiggle outlined the agenda for the day’s meeting:
o Get to know one another better
o Hear from county commissions of their concepts of what should be done within their counties—both short- and long-term
o Acknowledge advantages and assets of Route 50 of being a scenic by-way
o Acknowledge transportation issues including north and south as well
o 3.8 miles from 279 by-pass to AFG Industries
o 279 by-pass to Grafton city limits—approximately 13 miles
Mr. Wood of WVDOH responded that he was aware of the Taylor County Comprehensive Plan, transportation section, for Route 50 but had not seen the plan to date but knew it had been given to the state. He stated that the DOH has recognized and are addressing needs from other lists but they are working toward some of the proposed projects. He also stated that some bridges are underway.
o Hairpin Curve (big s curve) removed
o Truck lanes on
o Certain curves need to be straightened
o Intersection of Route 50 and 92 North has a beaver problem (according to DOH, 17 beavers have been removed)
Roger Newman, president of the Preston County Chamber of Commerce stated that he feels that growth between
Mr. Wood responded that DOH recognizes that both
o More guardrails
o Improvements to road shoulders
o One area needs sight distance
o Turning lanes in some areas
o Logging business need to get to some companies
o No fatalities in their county
o 111 accidents due to road conditions
Route 50 to
Greg Bradfield of
Bill Wood, of WVDOH commented that DOH recently studied Hampshire and
The county’s response was that they felt car traffic is heavier than truck traffic and is more of a problem.
Grant County Economic Development Director, Elwood _________ presented comments and areas of concern:
o Route 50 in
o
o 4-5 miles to Corridor H
o public water all along Route 50
o People from the Valley,
o Not sure if there will be a lot of traffic once Corridor H is completed
o 83 accidents and 7 fatalities from
o Birms are fairly good
Short-terms needs:
o Need reflectors in the middle of the road (hard to see road in the fog)
o Improved signage for what is ahead
Long-term needs:
o 2 bridges need to be replaced
o Bottom of grades need to have turn-off lanes
A statement was made that Route 50 is considered a scenic by-way and that there is a lot of blight along the highway that needs to be addressed.
Mr. Wood of WVDOH commented that state made commitments to the county due to Corridor H and that a study was done with
Dr. Spiggle commented that at the last meeting of the association no transportation committee was formed on transportation needs and wants each county to prioritize needs for their respective county.
Deb Clatterbuck made some additional comments regarding scenic by-ways and the promotion of Route 50 as such:
o Route 50 national yard sale
o Route 50 from
o From
o Benefits of a scenic by-way designation: get federal dollars with only a 20% match; All-American road status
Questions and concerns raised regarding Route 50 as a scenic by-way:
o Should Route 50 be named the same all the way through?
o Officially in
o If designated as a scenic by-way, can upgrades still be done? (response from DOH—yes)
o Route 50 in
o Mick Swick from
Dr. Spiggle noted that an issue was still on the table—is the name
Dave Sypolt from
Buck True and David Mole talked about transportation initiatives and issues:
o Appalachian North/South Corridor project—lobbied for this connector to PA turnpike and Somerset to Corridor H in WV; right now using I-68, MD 53, and WV 220 to get to Corridor H
o Route 219 is a separate Appalachian Corridor project—completion by 2010 for 4-lane divided interstate from Grantsville, MD to
o WV & MD--$2 million to begin planning activities but cannot agree on a MOU between them (preliminary engineering on environmental impact statement); they have been working on this since 1996
Buck True made the following comments:
o Stated that he started on roads 5 years ago
o Felt that no one cared about roads
o He said that it took one year to develop a plan to take to
o He feels that Route 250 needs upgraded due to limited business to buy basic needs.
o There are plans for a
o Feels that this area can be a revolution for industrial development
o Feels that this area is being neglected in regards to roads
o Feels that interstate must improve for counties—can’t commercialize without interstates
o Feels that state should grant rural to counties
o All of these would improve conditions in each of the counties
DOH representatives, Bill Wood, Marvin Murphy, and Tom Freeman talked about the state road program.
o Not how much you ask for but what you can do with what you get
o 4-lane between Belington and Route 250
o Suggested that counties meet with DOH representatives as they are easy to work with
o Choose the worse areas and DOH will assist
o They are waiting on a finalized report from Norm Roush to get something done
Dr. Spiggle thanked and congratulated Mr. True on his efforts. He stated that a regional co-op would fit in the state’s plan “A Vision Shared”.
Dr. Spiggle also thanked all attendees for coming to the meeting.
The next meeting for the Route 50 Association will be in
Meeting of
Attendees
Garrett Co: Comm. Ernie Gregg, Fred Holliday, David Beard; Tourism Director, Deb. Clatterbuck; Dev. Auth. Director, David Moe; Planner, Peggy Jameson; Superintendent of Schools, Wendell Teets, Times-News reporter, Jo Donaldson. Preston Co.: Comm. L. Darwin Wolfe. Grant Co: Debbie Kunkle; Ec. Dev. Dir. , Elwood Williams; Taylor Co: Dev. Auth. Director, Sheena Hunt; Mineral Co.: Comm. Jack Bowers; Co. Coordinator, Mike Bland;
Business Accomplished
Respectfully submitted,
Wayne C. Spiggle, Facilitator
The main order of business for the March 17 meeting will be to have each county report on their assessment of how
Therefore, I am requesting each county commission along the route to convene an ad hoc group to make this assessment and to prepare a 15 minute report of your progress on this issue. The logical group for this task is outlined in the Strategic Plan.
Please take action on this at your next Commission meeting.
Thanks!
WCS
