US 50 Coast to Coast needs help

Wulf Berg of US 50 Coast to Coast Received the following question and requested help answering it. While it is not in our section, somebody may know something. If so please contact Wulf Burg via E@mail.

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Dear Wulf,

And a Merry Christmas to you all, too!

I have a question about Route 50. Do you know anything about the newer stretch between eas tof Lebanon, IL and Illinois 127 at Carlyle, Illinois? That seems to have been planned as a 4-lane stretch. There are interchanges for towns, as Trenton and Breese with short 4-lane stretches. There are at least three "ghost" bridges across streams for a never-completed 4-lane alignment. It appears thatmay ha been aborted when I-64 was completed. US 460as decommissioned in 1977 or so.It shared alignment with Illinois 15 from near E. St. Louis to Mt. Vernon, then is now Illinois 142 to Mcleansbrro and then Illinois 14 to New Harmony, IN, across the Wabash toll bridge to New Harmony, thence Indiana 66.

There were some earlier attempts of 4-laneing US 50 east of Salem, around Xenia, Olney, and Lawreceville. Parts of old U. S. 50 are now Illinois 250. The freeway stretch between Lawrenceville and Vincennes was an early alignment of I-64. Then, they decided to move it south to be nearer at Evansville IN, which has spur I-164, and a proposes extension of I-69.

George Richard "Rick" Carlisle, Jr.

Reply from WVDOH on GPS Warning Signs

Thank you for your November 23, 2007 email to Highway Commissioner Paul Mattox on behalf of the US 50 Association.

In your correspondence, you expressed the US 50 Association's concerns regarding the effects of GPS navigational systems on traffic volumes and safety on US 50 between I-79 in Harrison County and New Creek in Mineral County. Specifically, the US 50 Association is requesting that signs warning GPS users of the characteristics of Route 50 be posted at both ends of this roadway segment.

Drivers who are planning a trip into unfamiliar territory use a variety of resources to select their routes. These include, but are not limited to, verbal or written directions from family members and/or friends; various types of maps; tour guide books and periodicals; advertising materials obtained from various business and governmental and private organizations; automobile clubs or travel services such as the American Automobile Association (AAA); Internet resources, such as MapQuest or Google Maps; or electronic devices such as GPS units.

Drivers use these tools, singly or in combination, to assist them in making route choices based on the time available; the lengths and other characteristics of various alternate routes; the probability of encountering road work or other sources of congestion and delay; weather; their assessments of their own skills; the availability of services; and many other tangible and intangible factors.

The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) does not have the legal authority to require drivers to avoid a certain route unless there is some obstacle or condition which prevents the facility from being used by all vehicles, or by certain classes of vehicles. We also believe, given the wide range of travel planning resources and choices which are available, that the posting of warning signs, such as those the US 50 Association is suggesting, would have very little effect on the overall travel patterns that long distance, unfamiliar drivers will chose to take. These signs may also meet with some resistance from various institutions and businesses located along US 50 due to the potential diversion of their customers and visitors. We, therefore, must respectfully decline any requests to install these or similar signs, or to permit them to be installed on WVDOH right of way.

Should the US 50 Association still desire to pursue the installation of such signing, you can explore the option of placing your own signs on private property adjacent to the DOH right of way. However, certain other restrictions would apply, in that the WEST VIRGINIA CODE specifies that such signs located on property adjacent to WVDOH right of way cannot contain any commercial advertising; and that the signs may not be an imitation of or resemble an official traffic control device. This means that 1) certain color combinations incorporated into official highway regulatory signs (i.e. STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER, SPEED LIMIT, WRONG WAY, etc.) and warning signs (i.e. CURVE AHEAD Symbol, PEDESTRIAN CROSSING Symbol, TRUCK CROSSING Symbol, ROAD WORK AHEAD, etc.) signs could not be used and 2) official highway signing shapes, such as diamonds (warning signs) or octagons (STOP signs), could not be used.

We understand and appreciate the concerns expressed in your e-mail. We continually monitor the operation and condition of US 50, and we attempt to address any identified deficiencies as rapidly as possible.

Thank you again for bringing this issue to our attention and for your Association's continuing efforts on behalf of the Division of Highways and the public. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Barry Warhoftig, P.E.
Director, Traffic Engineering
West Virginia Division Of Highways
Capitol Complex
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305
Telephone: 304.558.3722
Fax: 304.558.1209
Email: bwarhoftig@dot.state.wv.us

Requested Letter to WVDOH generated as a result of November meeting

Commissioner Mattox,

The increasing traffic collisions, some fatal, on US 50 are being attributed to GPS Navigation Units putting through traffic onto US 50 that otherwise would not be on the route. In order to reduce collisions, the US 50 Association request signage be placed on US 50 or just before US 50 warning drivers that GPS Navigation is not the best option.

On US 50 West bound in Mineral County before the US 220 North split we request a large warning sign of the following nature be placed at the US 220 North split and one a 1/4 to 1/2 mile prior to the US 220 North split. Below is a suggestion for the sign.

GPS NAVIGATION WARNING

US 50 WEST NOT BUILT TO MODERN STANDARDS THROUGH TRAFFIC TO CLARKSBURG, WV RECOMMEND FOLLOWING US 220 NORTH TO I-68 WEST TO I-79 SOUTH

On US 50 East bound in Harrison County prior to the I-79 intersection and on I-79 North bound prior to the US 50 intersection we request a warning sign of the following nature.

GPS NAVIGATION WARNING

US 50 EAST NOT BUILT TO MODERN STANDARDS THROUGH TRAFFIC TO WINCHESTER, VA RECOMMEND FOLLOWING I-79 NORTH TO I-68 EAST TO US 220 SOUTH TO US 50 EAST

From the US 220 split to Clarksburg it is a drive of about 2 hours whether or not you take US 50, or take US 220 to I-69 to I-79. Taking the interstate is a much safer route and adds no additional time to the trip.

Please consider this request to increase the safety of US 50 through the most mountainous section.

Thank You
US 50 Association

November 2007 Minutes

November 21^st, 2007

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County, Wayne Spiggle-Mineral County Commission, Charlie Baker – Hampshire County Planner, Ken Musgrave – Mineral County, Bill Woods – WVDOH Charleston, Clyde Burdock – Mineral county Planning Commission, Evelyn Baker – Hampshire County, Miranda L. Kessel – Congresswoman Capito’s Office, Eileen Johnson – City of Romney, Marc Bashoor – Mineral County OEM, Brian Carr – WVDOH Charleston, Eric Goff – Berkeley County.

Introductions: Mineral County Commissioner Wayne Spiggle made the introductions welcoming everyone to the meeting so close to the holiday. He especially thanked Bill Woods and Brian Carr from WVDOH Charleston for making every meeting.

Correspondence: Wayne Spiggle received a letter from a gun owner stating that they were required to unload their weapon when traveling US 50, and wanted to know of they group could lobby for gun rights. Several people responded that the person needed to get a WV concealed carry permit. Commission Spiggle stated he would relay the information to the person.

Old Business: At the September meeting Charlie Baker informed the WVDOH that Hampshire County was told that if they decided to fund a project that WVDOH could not guarantee that the money would be used on that project. At the time it was believed this was a miscommunication.

Brian Carr of WVDOH went on to state this was definitely a miscommunication. If Hampshire County or any county wished to fund a project, then they could and WVDOH would use that money for only that project. 100% of the funding would have to be provided by the county. The county would have to enter into a contract with WVDOH that spelled out what each was responsible, including cost over runs.

Gary Howell asked if Federal matching funds could be used if available. Bill Woods of WVDOH replied, “They could be used but it would be unlikely any would be available.” Federal matching funds will pay 80% of the cost of a project when available.

Since the US 50 Association is a participating agency with Federal Highway Administration on the US 220 north-south corridor a follow up on Tier 2 funding was given. At this time Maryland has funded it portion of the Tier 2 study, but West Virginia has not. According to Senator Byrd’s office the request for funding needs to come from the governor’s office.

It was decided that Gary Howell should draft a letter requesting the governor ask for the funding from the states Senators and Congressmen with copies going to all parties. If the WV portion of the funding is secured, it will allow the Tier 2 study to start as soon at the Tier 1 study is completed. The Tier 1 study is currently underway.

Cate Johnson of Congressman Mollohan’s office sent notice that the Corridor-O bill had not been reintroduced. She was not a liberty to neither confirm nor deny that the bill would be introduced this session. The Corridor-O bill would make the US 220 north-south corridor part of the Appalachian Development Highway System. This would allow a different funding source for earlier completion of a 4-lane US 220 connecting Corridor-H to I-68.

New Business: The recent fatal collision on US 50 in Mineral County was discussed. Again GPS Navigation Systems were blamed for putting additional traffic on the routes. It was stated that the GPS does not account for the condition of the road the drivers are faced with.

The group asked Gary Howell and Marc Bashoor to look into warning signs that could be placed at the intersection of US 220 and US 50, and I-79 near Clarksburg to warn driver that US 50 is not built to modern standards and the alternative Route US 220, I-68, and I-79 between New Creek and Clarksburg should be used for through traffic.

November Meeting:

Grant County is next on the schedule to host the January 16th meeting.

Meeting Adjourned at 1:41.

November 2007 Mineral County Meeting Agenda

November 21^st, 2007

Mineral County Meeting Agenda

Millstone Barbeque Restaurant

US 50 West
Burlington, WV 26710

I. 12:00 Lunch – 1:00

II. Introductions

III. Minutes of Previous Meeting

IV. Correspondence

V. Old Business

a. County Funding of Projects Follow up – Charlie Baker/Bill Wood

b. US 220 Tier 2 funding request update – Dave Moe

c. Corridor-O funding Bill Request Update – Cate Johnson

VI. New Business

a. March Meeting Federal Representative Meeting Request

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

IX. Volunteer host site for next meeting – Grant County

X. Adjourn

Tentative Meeting Schedule

16 January 2008 - Grant County
19 March 2008 - Garrett County
21 May 2008 - Preston County
16 July 2008 - Taylor County
17 September 2008 - Hampshire County
19 November 2008 - Mineral County

Hampshire County Minutes

Minutes

September 19^th, 2007

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County, Wayne Spiggle-Mineral County Commission, Mona Ridder-Cumberland Times-News, Bob Fisher MDSHA, Brian Carr – WVDOH Charleston, Dave Moe – GC Development Corp, Tom Conlon – Cumberland, MD, Larry Lemon – Sen. Rockefeller Office, Robert Hott – Hampshire County Commission, Steve Sloanaker – Hampshire County Commission, Michael OO’Brian – Hampshire Review, Charlie Baker – Hampshire County Planner, Ken Musgrave – Mineral County, Les Shoemaker – Hampshire County Dev. Auth., Bill Woods – WVDOH Charleston, Cate Johnson – Congressman Mollohan Office.

Introductions: Steve Sloanaker welcomed the group to Taggart Hall where the meeting was held.

Old Business: Wayne Spiggle presented the group with a letter from Senator Byrd thanking the association for visiting his office in Washington asking for funding for upgrades to US 50 and US 220. In the letter Sen. Byrd stated, “The failure of the 109^th Congress to pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 appropriations legislation in a timely manor has resulted in the suspension of earmarks for the duration of FY 2007.”

David Moe and Charlie Baker both gave reports on the meeting with Sen. Byrd. They stated the group would like to see a 4-lane US 50 from Virginia state line to Clarksburg as a long term goal, but had additional request.

Baker stated that West Virginia has 4 projects DOH is funneling the bulk of highway construction money into, those are; The Mon-Fayette Expressway (Morgantown Bypass), Corridor H, US Route 35, and WV State Route 9. To move US 50 to a priority, it has to have the support of Governor Manchin.

Moe requested funding for the West Virginia portion of the US 220 Tier 2 study, explaining that Maryland has its funding source secured. This would enable the study to move forward quickly upon completion of the Tier 1 study currently underway.

He also requested that a bill making the North-South US 220 Corridor part of the Appalachian Development Highway System be introduced. This would secure funding for US 220 from the same source as Corridor H, and make US 220 Corridor O.

Gary Howell explained that the US 220 Corridor is becoming more important as a new traffic pattern is emerging on the east coast. Heavy Truck traffic traveling between the Port of Norfolk and the Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit area is shifting from the I-64, I-95, DC Beltway, I-270, I70, PA/OH Turnpike route to a route that uses I-64, I-95, US 17, I-66, Corridor H, US 220, I-68, I-79, PA/OH Turnpike. A route that is less than 30 miles longer, but is saving more than 2 hours off of travel time by missing the heavy Washington DC traffic.

Howell also requested that Rep. Mollohan also introduce a bill on house side similar to the Senate bill requested of Byrd. He stated this would give the bill a better chance of passing.

New Business: Les Shoemaker, Hampshire County Economic Development Director, requested that the group push for the new 4-lane US 220 to follow the route of the existing US 220 from Moorefield to Cumberland. This would provide the greatest economic impact the area and help facilitate the new traffic pattern better.

Wayne Spiggle said the group should wait to check with the different county commission before making such a decision, but was reminded that at the March 2006 meeting the Association had already made that request.

Shoemaker also asked why a 3-lane project on US 50 through Romney was dropped from the WVDOH’s 6-year plan. Brain Carr of WVDOH explained that there has been some opposition to the project, and that the project was not 15 years old. Being 15 years had elapsed, that a new study would need to be done because of the changes that have occurred over that time.

Charlie Baker stated that Hampshire County was willing to fund some projects that were needed on US 50; but that WVDOH could not guarantee that the money would be used on that specific project. Bill Woods of WVDOH said the must have been some miscommunication and he would check into why Hampshire County was told that.

He went on to state that a new law allows counties to raise user taxes to fund road projects. It would be mostly used by larger counties for large projects, but smaller counties could use it for small projects that may include improving intersections.

The meeting adjourned at 2:07, with the next meeting to be held in Mineral County on November 21^st.

November Meeting:

Mineral County is next on the schedule to host the November 21^th meeting.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:07.

Robert C. Byrd letter of August meeting in Washington

United States Senate
Committee on Appropriations
Washington, DC 20510-6025

August 21, 2007

The Honorable and Mrs. Wayne C. Spiggle
Commissioner
Mineral County Commission
150 Armstrong Street
Keyser, WV 26726

Dear Commissioner and Mrs. Spiggle:

Thank you for taking the time to visit my office when you were in Washington, D.C., recently. I regret that my schedule precluded my joining you for your meeting with a member of my staff, but I have since been advised of your discussion about the need to upgrade U.S. Routes 50 and 220.

I recognize the importance of this project to you, and whenever possible, I want to be of assistance. However, the failure of the 109th Congress to pas the Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 appropriations legislation in a timely manner has resulted in the suspension of earmarks for the duration of FY 2007. That, in addition to the Administration's requests for steep reductions in domestic investments, in order to help pay for its multi-trillion-dollar tax cuts, will to as significant extent, make in increasingly difficult to fund such projects during FY 2008.

While I cannot be encouraging about the ability of the Congress to adequately fund many priority projects the year, I will keep your views in mind as the appropriations process continues.

In addition, thank you for the nice gifts! the picture of the ATK campus will certainly add to the decor of my Martinsburg office.

With kind regards, I am

Sincerely yours,
Robert C. Byrd

September 2007 Hampshire County Meeting Agenda

September 19, 2007

Hampshire County Meeting Agenda

Taggart Hall
91 S High St
Romney, WV 26757

I. 12:00 Lunch – 1:00

II. Introductions

III. Minutes of Previous Meeting

IV. Correspondence

V. Old Business

a. US 50 Web Blog – Gary Howell

b. Washington Trip – Wayne Spiggle, Charlie Baker, David Moe

VI. New Business

a. WVDOH Project Review – Bill Woods, Brian Carr

b. Goals for 2008 – Open Discussion

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

IX. Volunteer host site for next meeting – Mineral County

X. Adjourn

Tentative Schedule

21 November 2007 - Mineral County
16 January 2008 - Grant County
19 March 2008 - Garrett County
21 May 2008 - Preston County
16 July 2008 - Taylor County
17 September 2008 - Hampshire County
19 November 2008 - Mineral County

Record Sum Set Aside For State Paving

Provided is an article that was in the August 23, 2007 edition of the Charleston Daily Mail.

New laws that eased burdens on the state Road Fund, a renewed gas tax and some internal belt tightening have left the state Division of Highways with up to $95 million for road paving this year. That's a record. Typically, the state budgets about $50 million for a year's worth of road paving.

"This is the first time that the state paving program has been funded at this high of a level," said Brent Walker, highways spokesman. Beyond the paving money, lawmakers during the special session that ended Tuesday gave an additional $57.7 million for bridge repairs and smaller road projects ineligible for federal money. For the remainder of the summer and into the fall, Highways plans to spend $75 million for paving, Walker said. An additional $15 million to $20 million will be spent in the spring.

Over the past few years, Highways had scaled back its paving budget amid worries about the Road Fund, Walker said. Last year, the paving budget was kept at a low $37 million. At the beginning of this year, highways had only planned to spend $20 million during the summer paving season.

For the increased budget, Highways is crediting lawmakers and Gov. Joe Manchin for laws passed during the regular session that sloughed several programs off an embattled Road Fund. The costs of programs like the Courtesy Patrol, some State Police operations and state Public Service Commission weight enforcement were shifted to more appropriate sources. These actions freed up at least $10 million in the Road Fund.

Lawmakers also renewed a nickel-a-gallon gas tax that is expected to generate $55 million a year for the Road Fund.

A total of $25 million of the paving money came from a supplemental appropriation authorized during the second special session this week. This money will be provided to all the state highways districts equally -- $2.5 million each. That's worth about three miles of repaved road per district, Walker said. The appropriation was possible because of some cost saving programs implemented by highways, Walker said.

Also during the special session, lawmakers at Manchin's request put $37.7 million towards about 25 small projects like guardrails and road slips and slides, Walker said.

Another $10 million will go to other road projects that are not federally subsidized.

Small bridge repairs got $10 million.

Walker did not know how many miles of state roads would get resurfaced this year with the big paving budget.And whether the high amount of paving money will continue in the future remains to be seen. "We'd love to be able to keep this up," Walker said. "But there's no way to really gauge that at this point. We'll just have to wait and see."

New Partners

Provided is a list of new partners who have recently added their support to West Virginians for Better Transportation:

West Virginia Hospital Association

Mineral County Commission

Click here to see the entire list of nearly 225 WVBT Partners.

Upcoming WVBT Speaking Events

Over the coming months, representatives of West Virginians for Better Transportation will be speaking before these groups:

· Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce – August 29

· Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley - August 29

· W.Va. Chamber’s 2007 Business Summit (exhibitor) - August 29-31

· Wheeling Rotary – September 4

· Regional Meeting #1 (Beckley) – September 5

· W.Va. School Boards Association - September 14

· Regional Meeting #2 (Huntington) – September 19

Help Support WVBT’s Efforts

If your organization or company/firm would like to provide financial support to or get more information about West Virginians for Better Transportation, please send an email to info@keepwvmoving.org. Someone would be happy to contact you.

Tenative 2007-2008 Meeting Schedule

19 September 2007 - Hampshire County
21 November 2007 - Mineral County
16 January 2008 - Grant County
19 March 2008 - Garrett County
21 May 2008 - Preston County
16 July 2008 - Taylor County
17 September 2008 - Hampshire County
19 November 2008 - Mineral County

US 50 Structurally Deficient Bridges Clarksburg, to Virginia State Line

US 50 Structurally Deficient Bridges Clarksburg, to Virginia State Line

County	Bridge Name	County Mile Post	Replacement Estimate Cost	Estimated Replacement Year
Preston	Macomber Truss	16.12	$3,066,000	2013
Mineral	New Creek	10.65	$1,300,000	2005 (not started)
Mineral	Ellifritz Run	10.92	$460,000	2004 (not started)
Hampshire	Romney (South Branch)	7.23	$10,775,000	2004 (not started)
Hampshire	Bad Curve Bridge	14.95	$1,000,000	2010
Hampshire	Pleasant Dale Bridge	20.03	$1,390,000	2005 (not started)
Hampshire	Capon Bridge	31.01	$3,000,000	2010

Source July 2006 US 50 Needs Study, published by WVDOT

Request for NHS Tier 2 Funding Letter

July 20, 2007

US 50 Association

Gary Howell

PO Box 39

Keyser, WV 26726

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito

1431 Longsworth House OB
Washington, D.C. 20515

The Tier 1 Study of the National Highway System (NHS) US 220 Corridor that connects Corridor H to Interstate 68 is nearing completion. This study has been funded by both Maryland and West Virginia.

At the completion of the Tier 1 Study, the next required step is the Tier 2 Study. The Maryland Congressional Delegation has secured the funding for the Tier 2 Study through earmarks.

The US 50 Association has become a participating agency in the US 220 NHS corridor study at the request of the Federal Highway Administration. As a result the US 50 Association is respectfully requesting that you earmark funding for West Virginia’s portion of the US 220 NHS Corridor Tier 2 Study to match Maryland’s delegation. This will allow the project of move forward more quickly.

Thank You

Gary Howell

Secretary US 50 Association
Mineral County

Cc: Rep Alan Mollohan, Sen. John Rockefeller, Sen. Robert Byrd, Tina McClung WVDOH Environmental Section

Garrett County Meeting Minutes

Minutes

July 18th, 2007

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County, David Stemple – Preston County, Delores Stemple – Preston County, Wayne Spiggle-Mineral County Commission, Mona Ridder-Cumberland Times-News, Bob Fisher MDSHA, Arvin Harsa – Preston County, Dave Price – Preston County Commission, Brian Carr – WVDOH Charleston, Clyde Burdock – Mineral County Planning Commission President, Bob Schadler – WV House Delegate 49^th, Harry Boggs – Mineral County, Fred Holiday – Oakland, Peggy Jamison – Garrett County, Craig Jennings – Preston county Commission, Dave Moe – GC Development Corp, Joe Deneault – WVBT, Gary Ruddell – Garrett County, Tom Hammonds – WVDOH Charleston, Denny Glotfelty – Garrett County Commissioner, Robert Amtower – WVDOH District 5, Tom Conlon – Cumberland, MD.

Opening & Introductions: Lunch took place at the Cornish Inn in Oakland, MD. Denny Glotfelty welcomed everyone to the meeting at 1 PM.

Old Business: David Moe stated that the US 220 North-South Corridor had funding for the Tier 2 study in Maryland, but West Virginia had yet to secure the Federal Funding. Gary Howell interjected that the US 50 Association had recently became a participating agency with the Federal Highway Administration on the US 220 Corridor, and requested the group draft a letter requesting funding for West Virginia’s portion. The group agreed that a letter should be sent, and asked Howell to do so.

New Business: Wayne Spiggle stated that US 50 should be brought up at a regional governors meeting to be held soon by Greater Cumberland.

West Virginians for Better Transportation sent Joe Deneault to speak with the group. He presented statistics that 30% of the roads in West Virginia were below standard, and 1/3 of all bridges were deficient or otherwise needing replaced. Of the current projects WVDOH wishes to complete most currently working at DOH will not live long enough to see them completed.

He went on to say the purpose of WVBT is to raise awareness of the problem. Currently WVDOH will need an additional 150 million dollars just to maintain the status quo and not fall further behind. Capital Investment in the state highways is rising at 1.4% per year, but costs are rising faster. Out of 1 billion dollars spent by WVDOH only 114 million is available for road improvements.

West Virginia is unique being one of only four states that totally fund all roads within the state except for cities and towns, and this puts additional pressure on WVDOH not experienced by most states. WVBT will not push specific projects, but has two main goals. Educate the public to the importance of good roads, and explain that a funding crisis is approaching that needs to be addressed.

Brain Carr of WVDOH Charleston asked Mr. Deneault if the group had identified anyway to raise revenue that would be acceptable to the public. He responded that nothing had been identified. Preston County Commissioner Dave Price asked what other states were doing. Mr. Deneault stated Toll Roads in populated areas, Tax Incremental Financing in growth areas, Private-Public Partnerships on toll roads, and selling toll roads to private companies.

Tom Conlon asked how West Virginia’s gas tax was spent. Currently some was going to non-road road projects, but that was changing. One thing that recently changed is the removal of the Courtesy Patrol from the WVDOH budget. Conlon went on to ask if West Virginia had considered changing from a per gallon gas tax to a percent sales tax, so that it would fluctuate with price of fuel.

WV Delegate Bob Schadler explained that WV’s gas tax is based on the average wholesale price of fuel, and not the retail price. The Delegate went on to say that the WVBT is a good thing and will bring awareness to the problems faced by West Virginians.

Wayne Spiggle asked the group if they would join the WVBT association, and the group agreed.

On funding, Bob Fisher of MDSHA reported that in Howard and Frederick Counties, MD an excise tax was being put on new subdivision to pay for road improvements in the immediate area. Gary Howell said that would be fine for areas experiencing high growth, but not in areas not experiencing growth. Mineral County for example lost population in the 2005 US Census estimate, and as a result an excise tax on new subdivisions could adversely affect the local economy stopping new housing. Mr. Fisher agreed that it only works best in high growth areas.

Wayne Spiggle told the group that Gary Howell had created a blog for the group. The website is, http://us50association.blogspot.com/ The website has all minutes, agendas and out going letters as far back as March 2006, and is viewable to the public.

Gary Howell asked Brian Carr of WVDOH Charleston and Bob Amtower head of WVDOH District 5 if anything could be done about Dorsey’s Curve on the Allegheny Front. Noting that the road was closed during the last US 50 meeting, and that a crash last week also closed the road, Mr. Howell stated that enough guard rail was being replaced to keep a steel mill running. Mr. Amtower stated the recent crashes were by drivers that could not read the English road signs. One driver was from eastern Europe, and the other from Jamaica. In these cases it was the drivers and not the road that caused the crashes.

Mr. Amtower went on to say the use of GPS units is putting vehicles on to roads they should not be on. The GPS units are directing traffic to use US 50 from Clarksburg east instead of using Interstate 68.

September Meeting:

Hampshire County is next on the schedule to host the September 19^th meeting.

Meeting Adjourned at 1:57.

July 2007 Garrett County Meeting Agenda

July 18, 2007

Garrett County Meeting Agenda

Cornish Manor

830 Memorial Dr

Oakland, MD 21550

I. 12:00 Lunch – 1:00

II. Introductions

III. Minutes of Previous Meeting

IV. Correspondence

V. Old Business

a. NHS Corridor – Gary Howell

b. Power Point Update – Ken Musgrave

VI. New Business

a. West Virginians for Better Transportation - Joe Deneault

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

IX. Volunteer host site for next meeting – Hampshire County?

X. Adjourn

Federal Highway Administrations Tier One study Letter

May 30^th, 2007

Greg Bailey

Director Engineering Division

WV DOT, Div. of Highways

1900 Kanawha Blvd East

Building 5, Room A-317

Charleston, WV 25305-0430

Dear Mr. Bailey,

This letter is to confirm that the US 50 Association wishes to be a participating agency with the Federal Highway Administrations Tier One study of the NHS, US 220, North-South Corridor.

Thank You,

Gary Howell

Secretary, US 50 Assoc.

May 2007 Minutes

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County Planning Commission, David Stemple – Preston County, Delores Stemple – Preston County, Evelyn Baker-Hampshire County, James Baker-Hampshire County, Wayne Spiggle-Mineral County Commission, Richard Fagley-Garrett County, Mona Ridder-Cumberland Times-News, Bob Fisher MDSHA, Lotta Neer – Congressman Mollohan’s Office, Robert Hott – Hampshire County Commission, Floyd Ziegler, Arvin Harsa – Preston County, Dave Price – Preston County Commission, Brian Carr – WVDOH Charleston, Larry Weaver – WVDOH Preston County, Norse Angus – WVDOH Charleston, William Wood – WVDOH Charleston, Brenda Frantz – Congressman Bartlett’s Office, Susan Kresley - MDVA.

Opening & Introductions: Lunch took place at the Melanie’s in Aurora, WV. Wayne Spiggle welcomed everyone to the meeting at 1 PM.

Old Business: Brian Carr of WVDOH Charleston presented the group with a set of maps showing accident data accumulated along the length of US 50 between I-79 and the Virginia state line. This data is to help Ken Musgrave create an online map, so they public can be made more aware of the accident hot spots. Evelyn Baker stated that Hampshire County had the same information that is included in the WVDOH data, and said that is would be available. Gary Howell mentioned that US 50 between WV 93 and WV 42 in Mineral County was closed due an accident the previous night. The location of the accident is one that has been identified as needing upgraded for safety.

New Business: Gregory Bailey of the WVDOH Engineering section contacted the group via Gary Howell with a request the US 50 Association be an agency on which the FWHA (Federal Highway Administration) call up on for environmental and socioeconomic impact data concerning the US 220 north-south corridor. The US 50 group is the only active citizens group in the north-south corridor area that has been actively studying traffic patterns and conditions.

Norse Angus of WVDOH gave a presentation on the north-south corridor, stating that the possible routes had been narrowed to 3 of the original 5. As an FHWA identified agency, the US 50 association would be asked to identify possible problems that could delay construction of the north-south corridor. These may include such things as unknown historical sites and traffic patterns that would be known to locals, but not those in Charleston or Annapolis. The group agreed this was a good idea and to move forward on this request.

Bill Woods of WVDOH stated that in about 1 year the Tier 1 study on the north-south corridor would be nearing completion and this would narrow the route to a single 4000 ft wide study area for Tier 2. At this time no funding has been secured for the Tier 2 study. The funding for Tier 2 will have to come from the Federal Government.

Mona Ridder asked about funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission, and that Senator Sarbanes had introduced a bill requesting that. Gary Howell stated the in 2005 Sarbanes had introduced Senate Bill S.719 to make the north-south US 220 route, “Corridor O” of the Appalachian Development Highway System. In 2006 Congressman Mollohan introduced the same bill as HR.5031. Neither Bill moved forward.

Mr. Howell then asked Congressman Mollohan’s (D) representative, Lotta Neer, if Congressman Mollohan could re-introduce the bill, and if Congressman Bartlett’s (R) representative, Brenda Frantz, could request that congressman Bartlett co-sponsor the bill giving the bill bipartisan support and a better chance of moving forward. Both stated they would take the request back to the congressmen.

Citizen Concerns: Arvin Harsa stated that some trees overhanging US 50 had been removed, but there were more that posed a hazard. Larry Weaver of WVDOH stated many times power lines prevent the state from clearing the trees and then the responsibility falls on the power company to clear the trees. Problems occur when it is unclear who is required to clear the trees.

The group was reminded the US 50 coast to coast yard sale will be held May 18^th through May 20^th along the length of the road. The town of Aurora will be holding Heritage Days and the Stone House in Mineral County will be holding a fund raiser during the yard sale.

March Meeting:

Garrett County is next on the schedule to host the July 18^th meeting.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:04.

Preston County Meeting Agenda

May 16, 2007

Preston County Meeting Agenda

Melanie’s Restaurant

US 50

Aurora, WV 26716

I. 12:00 Lunch – 1:00

II. Introductions

III. Minutes of Previous Meeting

IV. Correspondence

V. Old Business

a. Trip to Senator Byrd’s Office - Senator Clark Barns

b. Power Point Update – Ken Musgrave

VI. New Business

a. NHS Corridor – Gary Howell

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

IX. Volunteer host site for next meeting – Garrett County?

X. Adjourn

March 2007 Minutes

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County Planning Commission, Charles Baker – Hampshire County Planning Commission, Evelyn Baker-Hampshire County, James Baker-Hampshire County, Wayne Spiggle-Mineral County Commission, Richard Fagley-Garrett County, Frank Whitacre-Hampshire County Assessor, Mona Ridder-Cumberland Times-News, Bob Fisher MDSHA, Lotta Neer – Congressman Mollohan’s Office, Cindy Wetzel – Grant County Administrator, David Sypolt – Senator WV14^th District, Thomas Conlon - Allegany County, Robert Hott – Hampshire County.

Opening & Introductions: Lunch took place at the Hermitage in Petersburg, WV. Cindy Wetzel welcomed everyone to the meeting. A specific welcome was made to Senator Sypolt.

Old Business:

Discussion was held about Senator Clark Barnes, WV 15^th District, offer to set up a meeting between the committee and WV Senator Byrd. It was suggested that when meeting with Senator Byrd, that the ultimate goal of a 4-lane US 50 be stressed. Further that US 50 is the most dangerous road in WV per mile driven. Senator Barnes not being in attendance further discussion was tabled until he could be contacted.

Wayne Spiggle spoke that due to a schedule conflict the WV Better Roads group could not attend, but expressed the US 50 Association should consider joining the group if they so desired.

The power point presentation being headed up by Ken Musgrave is not ready at this time.

New Business:

Frank Whitacre said the group needed to put together a map from the Virginia Line to Clarksburg showing all crash data. The map would be color coded for different types of crashes, with fatalities being represented by purple crosses. Frank went on to suggest a website be put together with an interactive map. Visitors to the site could click on the different icons to get details about the type of crash that occurred at that location with data as to cause. Frank also states that while WVDOH has the data it can not release it and that it must be obtained from each individual investigating agency. Charlie Baker stated he had already compiled that data from both Hampshire and Mineral County and would see what he could get for the other counties. Bob Fisher said that Maryland SHA had the data, but not at the level of detail Mr. Whitacre requested, and that it could be released to the public as long as the were no pending legal cases. Gary Howell asked if the information should not be targeted specifically at the people that could make changes to the road. While the information is important to all, the legislatures and those that live along the road should be the primary focus of information so they can push for changes.

Bob Hott asked about pushing for lesser improvements, and could increased enforcement of the traffic laws could help. Bob Fisher said it is the 3 “E’s” Education of the driver, Enforcement of the Laws, and Engineering of the road that makes for safe operation of the highways and that all 3 must be looked at. He went on to state that if funding was made available it would be 10 to 15 years for the first shovel of dirt was turned.

Senator Sypolt suggested that Senator Unger be invited to attend a future meeting as he is the head of the transportation subcommittee.

Thomas Conlon also attended the meeting and gave a brief history of the US 40 Association which eventually led to the building of Interstate 68 and that the group should continue to push forward.

Citizen Concerns: None

March Meeting:

Garrett County is next on the schedule to host the May 16^th meeting.

Meeting Adjourned at 1:54.