Letter from Hampshire County Commission on Byway Status

County of Hampshire
Office of County Commission
Court House Building
Romney, West Virginia 26757
304-822-5112

Date: May 22, 2009
To: Route 50 Association
From: Hampshire County Commission
Subject: Scenic Byway Designation of U.S. Route 50

Dear Route 50 Associations Members,

This letter is concerning the designation of U.S. Route 50 as a Scenic Byway through Hampshire County. After serious thought and consideration, the County Commission of Hampshire County has decided to not pursue this issue; however, we do offer our support to any other member of the Association that wishes to designate their portions of the highway as a Scenic Byway. Our major concerns over this issue arise from the U.S. Route 50 being Hampshire County's major access road, and the designation may inhibit commercial development due to signage regulation imposed with the designation. We are also in pursuit of numerous upgrades along the Hampshire County section of Route 50, of which a byway designation would in fact bring about conflict.

We again offer our support of other counties; however we must decline in the joint pursuit to designate the entire stretch of U.S. Route 50 as a Scenic Byway, as we wish Hampshire County to remain un-designated.

Thank you,
(signed)
Steve Slonaker, President
Hampshire County Commission

Preston County Minutes May, 2009

Minutes

May 20^th, 2009

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County, Robert Harman – Mineral County, Wayne Spiggle-Mineral County Commission, Arvin Harsh – Preston County, Mona Ridder – MCDA, Brian Carr – WVDOH, Chris Strovel – Congresswoman Capito’s office, Dave Moe – Garrett Co. Dev. Com, Dave Price – Preston County, Evelyn Baker – Hampshire County, Delores Stemple – Aurora, WV, David Stemple - Aurora, WV, Charles Baker – Hampshire County Planning Commission, Daniel Haskins – WVDOH, Matthew Hastings – WVDOH, Betty Spiggle – Mineral County, Larry Weaver – WVDOH Preston County, Cate Johnson – Congressman Alan Mollohan’s office.

Introductions: Dave Price, Preston County Commissioner welcomed everyone to the meeting stating, Wayne Spiggle then opened the meeting by requesting each county introduce themselves as a group. He made special recognition of former Delegate Robert Harman from Keyser.

Correspondence: None

Old Business: David Moe provided a copy of a funding request letter for the North/South US 220 Corridor Tier 1 study. The letter can be found on the US 50 Association website. David went on to say that the Tier 1 study was originally to start in 03/04 and take 18 to 24 months. The completion date was pushed back to 2007 and that has still not been met.

The intersection of US 50 and WV 24 was discussed and Brian Carr of WVDOH said a speed study should start in June when weather will allow the installation of traffic study devices. After the study, the traffic engineering division will make a recommendation which may require a public meeting if changes are indicated. Brian Carr acknowledged that the intersection needs to be redesigned, but because of funding restraints and priorities that it precludes it at this time. Larry Weaver indicated that the grade of the intersection makes the project more expensive than other improvement projects.

David Moe spoke about the Corridor O project and stated that it may not go anywhere. Chris Strovel of Congresswoman Capito’s office stated the Congresswoman believes that the extension of Corridor O could reduce funding for other ADHS corridors in the state. Cate Johnson of Congressman Mollohan’s office indicated that no co-sponsors had signed on to H.R. 1489 the Corridor O extension bill.

Congresswoman Capito did introduce a request for ten million dollars in improvements to US 50 in Hampshire County to improve safety and traffic flow.

Wayne Spiggle requested the group consider requesting Scenic Byway status for US 50 over the length from the Virginia state line to Interstate 79. Robert Harman objected stating that Scenic Byway’s are anti-business and they stop signage along the route. Wayne Spiggle disagreed. He stated the Byway allows access to grants to celebrate the highway and that is pro-business. He stated that advertising is not affected because it is only eliminated in the areas that have intrinsic value. Gary Howell disagreed asking if the area of the Saddle Mountain overlook was considered an area with intrinsic value and it was stated so. Howell went on to explain that that also happened to be the intersection of US 50 and WV 42 and by eliminating signage it would damage the businesses in Elk Garden and the Jennings Randolph Lake area as they would not be able to direct traffic to their locations.

Howell also read from the July 21^st, 2004 minutes of the US 50 Association, “There are strict sign regulations such as been brought to light by the George’s Creek Coal Heritage Trail. The [Scenic Byway] 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.” Scenic Byway status is anti-business.

Brian Carr stated that US 60 through most of West Virginia was a Scenic Byway and it was successful. Robert Harman reminded that Interstate 64 also paralleled US 60 for business and US 50 had no such companion.

Com. Spiggle stated he had distributed information to all the involved county commissions and he had spoken with them verbally and they were in agreement to request Byway status for US 50. Charles Baker, representing the Hampshire County Commission, objected and stated that Com. Spiggle was mistaken and that Hampshire County after reviewing all documentation felt that Byway designation may inhibit commercial development due signage regulation imposed and that their efforts to upgrade the road would be in conflict with the Scenic By designation.

Com. Spiggle then stated that the US 50 Association would not pursue the status for the full length, but that Mineral County would pursue it alone. He then invited those opposed to the Byway status to come to a Mineral County Commission meeting to voice their objections.

New Business: It was suggested that a letter be sent to Congresswoman Capito for her efforts to get ten million in funding for US 50. David Moe said it would be more appropriate to thank all of the Congressional delegation for their efforts.

It was requested that the state look at paving areas of US 50 in eastern Preston County. Both Larry Weaver and Brian Carr of WVDOH explained how the cost of asphalt was hindering the state in expanding paving projects, but they would look into the possibility.

July Meeting:

Taylor County is next on the schedule to host the July 15^th, 2009 meeting a t a place to be determined.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:04

Tentative Meeting Schedule

15 July 2009 – Taylor County

16 September 2009 – Hampshire County

18 November 2009 – Mineral County

20 January 2010 – Grant County

Agenda May 20th, 2009 Meeting - Preston County

May 20^th, 2009

Preston County Meeting Agenda

Melanie’s Restaurant

US 50 next to Cathedral State Forest

Aurora, WV 26705

I. 12:00 Lunch

II. 1:00 Introductions

III. Minutes of Previous Meeting

IV. Correspondence

V. Old Business

a. WV24/US50 Intersection (update) – Bill Woods

b. Corridor O Extension Request Letter – David Moe

c. US 220 Tier 2 Funding Request Letter – David Moe

d. Scenic By Way Status – Wayne Spiggle

VI. New Business

a. US 50 Assoc. Position on Corridor H– Wayne Spiggle

b. US 220 Status – David Moe

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

IX. Volunteer host site for next meeting – Taylor County

X. Adjourn

Tentative Meeting Schedule

15 July 2009 – Taylor County

16 September 2009 – Hampshire County

18 November 2009 – Mineral County

20 January 2010 – Grant County

September 2006 Minutes

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County Planning Commission, Darwin Wolfe – Preston County Commission, Lotta Neer – Congressman Alan Mollohan’s Office, Peggy Jamison – Garrett County Development, Bob Fisher – MDSHA, Karen Allen – WVDOH, Brian Carr – WVDOH, Frank Whitacre – Hampshire County Assessor, Grady Bradfield – Hampshire County, Mona Ridder – Cumberland Times-News, Charles Baker – Hampshire County Planning Commission, Evelyn Baker-Hampshire County Planning Commission, Janice LaRue-Mineral County Commission, Kristan Carter-Mineral County Development Authority, Cindy Pyles-Mineral County Commission, William Wood-WVDOH Charleston, Wayne Spiggle-Mineral County Commission, Terri Funk-Preston County Assessor, Dave Price-Preston County Commission, Dave Sypolt-Preston County, Glenn Eddy-Preston County, Bill Light-WVDOH, Carson Blankenship-WVDOH, Larry Weaver-WVDOH Preston County, Mike Workman-North Central Byways.

Opening: Lunch took place at Melanie’s Restaurant in Aurora, WV. Darwin Wolf welcomed everyone to the meeting. Darwin also indicated he was delayed getting to the meeting because WVDOH was cleaning ditches, replacing pipes, and paving sections of US 50. The meeting was then turned over to Wayne Spiggle.

Wayne thanked Gary Howell for taking the time to prepare the minutes and agenda for each meeting.

Bill Woods gave a regional update on US 220. He stated that the WV meetings were well attended, but attendance at the MD meetings was light. Things are progressing on US 220 to the point a public workshop may be held before the end of the year.

Brian Carr indicated that new projects underway would be paving of US 50 between Augusta and Romney as well as a bridge replacement near Mechanicsburg Gap. On October 1, after the new Federal Highways Budget comes out, the state will be looking at the 6-year plan. Some US 50 projects maybe moved up on the schedule to an earlier completion date.

Accident reports on US 50 included 2 fatalities in Hampshire County. Mineral County had an accident at the intersection of Rt 93 and US 50 that could be prevented in the future as an upgrade to that intersection has been identified on Mineral Counties needs list. Grant County reported no problems, and Darwin Wolfe reported only minor accidents on Preston County's portion. Gary Howell stated that US 50 in WV had now exceeded US 35 in WV in highway deaths per mile. The state had identified US 35 as a top priority for its death rate, and now the group needs to get the state to make US 50 a top priority. Evelyn Baker pointed out that Joe Manchin has campaigned on making US 50 a priority.

Karen Allen of WVDOH’s Byways introduced Mike Workman of North Central Byways. Mike stated that purpose of the group is to get people off the interstates and to the back roads for tourism. North Central Byways administers WV 7, US 50, and WV 52. Darwin Wolfe stated that the Preston County commission had not been given all the details in 1997 when US 50 was designated. Mike Workman stated that they have a corridor enhancement plan that preserves history and promotes tourism. He stated that they are getting ready for new projects and applying for grants that they may be able to work with the US 50 associations on. The North Central Byways group has control over signs on both public and private land. Dave Price, Preston County Commission, stated that by stopping signs it was upsetting to business owners, and asked how the group got that power. Karen Allen stated that it was given the group by the state Transportation Commissioner. Evelyn Baker asked if this power overrules the elected body of the county commission. Larry Weaver of Preston-WVDOH ask for a point of contact and it was stated that North Central Byways was the point of contact and had total authority over signs on both public and private land.

Wayne Spiggle asked Karen Allen for a sales pitch on turning Mineral Counties section of US 50 into a Byway.

Dave Price asked if the designation effected naming the road for 911 purposes, and it was stated that it did not.

Wayne Spiggle ask if the gift shop at Saddle Mountain over look could be bought using grant money from the Byways commission and permanently closed.

Janice LaRue asked about the state passing a law so that County Planning Commissions could regulate outdoor signage along roads, it was stated to work with state elected officials to make that happen.

Wayne had not gotten any information on the Preparedness Summit held last month at Canaan Valley.

Charles Baker gave a report from a meeting with the US Secretary of Transportation and Congresswoman Captio. Hampshire County presented there needs for US 50 based on the US 50 Association needs study. It was stated that Hampshire County was well prepared for the meeting and that a lot of the credit goes to Brian Carr of WVDOH and all of his hard work. It was stress that Hampshire County was meeting with the transportation secretary as part of the WV 2^nd Congressional District, and not the US 50 associations. Hampshire County is the only county in the WV 2^nd district that contains US 50.

Old Business: Les Shoemaker not being in attendance the Roberts Rules request was tabled until a later date.

Citizen Concerns: None

November Meeting:

Hampshire County will host the next meeting on November 15^th at the Loy Foundation.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:32.

Preston County Meeting Agenda

September 29^th, 2006

Preston County Meeting Agenda

Melanie’s Restaurant

Northwestern Turnpike
Aurora, WV 26705

I. 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch

II. Introductions

III. Minutes of Previous Meeting

IV. Correspondence

V. Old Business

a. Review of current decision making process and recommendation from Hampshire County that Robert’s Rules replace consensus format- Les Shoemaker

b. North Central Byways and Backways, Inc. - Karen Allen, WVDOH

c. Report on August Preparedness Summit at Canaan – Wayne Spiggle

VI. New Business

a. Hampshire County Report from Congresswoman Capito WV-2^nd District Road Meeting – Charlie Barker

b. Accident Reports – by County

c. Summer Road Improvements – Brian Carr WVDOH, Bob Fisher – MDSHA

d. US 50 Website – Rick Welsh

e. 2007 Priorities – Open discussion

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

IX. Volunteer host site for next meeting

X. Adjourn

July 2006 Minutes

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County Planning Commission, Darwin Wolfe – Preston County Commission, Richard Feigley – Garrett County, Lotta Neer – Congressman Alan Mollohan’s Office, Dave Beard – Garrett County Commission, Peggy Jamison – Garrett County Development, Bob Fisher – MDSHA, Karen Allen – WVDOH, Brian Carr – WVDOH, Tom Hencke – Grant County Press, Frank Whitacre – Hampshire County Assessor, Grady Bradfield – Hampshire County, Marc Bashoor – Mineral County 911, Charles Goldizen – Grant County Commission, Elwood Williams – Grant County Development Authority, Mona Ridder – Cumberland Times-News, Don Graham – Mineral County, Terry Lively – Region 8 PDC, Chris Wakim – WV 1^st District Congressional Candidate.

Opening: Lunch took place at the Hermitage Inn in Petersburg, WV. Wayne Spiggle called meeting to order at 12:50, after introductions Charles Goldizen welcomed the group to Grant County.

Old Business: Les Shoemaker not being in attendance the Roberts Rules request was tabled until a later date. Gary Howell was asked to speak on the Priority Projects list. Gary stated that the list was in the pack of materials handed out and deferred to Brian Carr from WVDOH. Brian stated that all counties but Taylor had submitted their list, and Taylor informed him that they had presented their request directly to WVDOH. Brian also stated that a search of WVDOH records turned up nothing for Taylor County.

New Business: Evelyn Baker ask the group to consider requesting a Tier 1 study for the US 50 corridor be implemented. Brian Carr of WVDOH stated that the cost of a Tier 1 study would be in the $8 million dollar range. Both Brian Carr of WVDOH and Bob Fisher of MDSHA thought it was too soon to request a Tier 1 study. They felt the money would be wasted, because the project would not be in the near term. Evelyn Baker stated the group needs to start someplace.

WVDOH and MDSHA both stated they did not believe that the signage showing mileage to Sacramento, CA and Ocean City, MD and would not place the signs. Evelyn Baker stated that the Hampshire County CVB was willing to provide funding for a sign in Hampshire County. Gary Howell stated that talking with Anne Palmer at Mineral County CVB they wanted to see what Hampshire County did and then make a decision. Wayne Spiggle spoke that the state might not want the sign on their right-of-way. Brian Carr stated that while Charleston position was opposed to it, District Offices might have some leeway to work with the CVB’s.

Karen Allen of WVDOH Byways explained that making a highway a designated Byway it opens up additional grants. WV has received $6 million since 1991. It also allows access to the Transportation Enhancement Program that WV receives $12 million annually. The state advertises the Byway Routes in West Virginia Magazine to promote tourism and travel. Limitations are placed on Byways to protect the intrinsic qualities including scenic, cultural, and historic, etc. Outdoor advertising is prohibited off the businesses immediate site. US 50 has already been listed as a Byway from Clarksburg to the Maryland State Line. Darwin Wolfe the byway interfering with upgrades, as the Preston County Commission was unaware of the designation. Karen Allen stated it was so designated in June of 1997. It is requested that the North Central Byways & Backways Inc., the group administering the US 50 Byway, be invited to the September meeting. Karen stated she would extend that invitation.

Wayne Spiggle suggested that picket the August Preparedness Summit held at Canaan Valley with place cards to draw attention to the plight of US 50. Gary Howell stated that it would be a bad idea to protest, and that is not what the group is about. We need to work with the officials to get the changes to the road. Marc Basehor stated that the county Emergency service of Eastern WV, Western MD, and Northern VA have been meeting to discuss evacuating DC and that the counties had essentially been un-invited to the event. Only state officials are being asked to attend.

Gary Howell suggested that a lower cost alternative to a full 4-lane road might be a three lane with 2 lanes in one direction and the switch to 2-lanes in the other direction to provide opportunities to pass and improve flow along the existing alignment. WVDOH stated that WV did not have that as a possibility in their guides for building roads. Gary stated that on several occasions that WVDOH has backed off on low cost solutions because they were not in the states guide. Giving examples of the 3-lane option on US 11 in PA, and that a second 2-lane road was built parallel to US 50 in VA to make it 4-lanes, Gary ask that maybe the state should look to revise its guides.

Don Graham asked if the US 50 association could have representation at the North South corridor meetings. Bob Fisher of MDSHA stated that anybody that wants put on the mailing list to attend the meetings should e@mail him and requests a summary of previous meetings. Bob Fishers e@mail is BFisher@sha.state.md.us

Brian Carr of WVDOH passed out completed copies of the US 50 needs studies. He brought two copies for each county involved.

Citizen Concerns: None

September Meeting:

Preston County will host the next meeting on September 20^th. Confirmed location will follow.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:01.

May 2006 Minutes

Recorded Attendees: Wayne Spiggle-Mineral Co., Gary Howell-Mineral Co., Kolin Jan-Mineral Co., Mona Ridder Cumberland Time-News, Melvin Hott-Hampshire Co., Frank Whitacre-Hampshire Co., Mitch Davis-Hampshire, Co., Steve Slonaker-Hampshire Co., Chris Wakim-WV 1^st Congressional District Candidate, Ruth Rowan WV 50^th District Delegate, Peggy Oliver, Arvin Hwash-Preston Co., Dave Sypolt-Preston Co., Darwin Wolfe-Preston Co., A. Craig Rotruck-Preston Co., Royce B. Saville-Hampshire Co., Les Shoemaker-Hampshire Co., Ken Musgrave-Mineral Co., Evelyn Baker-Hampshire Co., Charles Baker-Hampshire/Mineral Co., Larry Weaver, Brian Carr-WVDOH Charleston, Mark White-WVDOH Charleston, Don Graham, Wood William-Grant Co., Dave Beard-Garrett County, Peggy Jaimson-Garrett Co., John Wagoner-Hampshire Co., Larry Lemon-Sen. Rockefellers Office, John Raese-US Senate Candidate, Richard Feigley-Garrett Co., Dawn Parson-Guest Speaker.

Unrecorded Attendees: Lotta Neer-Representing Alan Mollohan, Cindy Pyles-Mineral Co.

Total Attendees: 63

Opening: Lunch took place at Hagenbuch’s Loaf’in Around Restaurant, but do to the larger than expected size of the meeting it was moved next door. Wayne Spiggle Called the meeting to order at 1:30. Wayne gave a brief background on the founding of the US 50 association. Wayne asked Gary Howell to remove “Candidate for Mineral County Commission” from his e@mail signature when sending out US 50 Associations e@mails. Wayne stated the reason as the US 50 Association was founded as a non-partisan political group.

Introductions: Wayne asked all people running for elected office to stand and introduce himself or herself. He started with federal office, then state, then local. Gary Howell was asked to introduce the Federal Funding Subcommittee. The Press and others introduced themselves.

Old Business: Brian Carr of WVDOH spoke on the US 50 needs study and the progress. He indicated that over 77 projects had been listed.

Gary Howell distributed copies of the US 220 Route support letter, agreed to at the March meeting. The letter had been presented to WVDOH and MDSHA at the Moorefield US220 meeting in April.

Gary Howell was asked to speak on the Small Projects list, which was to be presented to the congressional delegation. Gary deferred to Brian Carr and asked if Brian had received the projects that had been missing. Brian stated that he had received Garrett County’s, but was still missing Grant and Taylor Counties projects.

Gary Howell was asked to speak on the proposed “Super-2” Standard. Copies of the standard were distributed to the group. Gary explained that the “Super-2” concept and how it could be used along US 50. Letters requesting that the “Super-2” standard be added to the Appalachian Development Highway System were presented to the representatives from the Federal delegation.

*Letters not picked up were mailed the following day.

Evelyn Baker spoke on WV Senate Bill 673, which gives counties the ability to raise funds for road projects. There were two bills that were similar, and it was indicated by Chris Wakim that S.673 had not passed.

* Review after the meeting provided that S.673 had passed, and the other bill had not. S.673 was signed into law on March 23^rd, 2006, and is currently available for WV counties to use for road funding.

New Business: Review of switching the US 50 Association from a consensus format to Roberts Rules of Order was tabled until the next meeting. Les Shoemaker that presented the idea agreed to this.

Gary Howell stated that WVDOH had lowered the weight limits on the WV 93 Bridge at New Creek. This will increase truck traffic on US 50 from Mount Storm in Grant County to Claysville in Mineral County. This section is down Allegheny Front and has been know for it accidents involving trucks.

Karen Allen at WVDOH called Gary Howell just prior to the meeting and indicated that through the efforts of the Planning Commissions and Chambers of Commerce in Preston and Taylor Counties, US 50 had been designated a “Scenic Byway” and that the state had installed signs. Brian Carr of WVDOH had indicated that this would change the type of signage that can be located on US 50 and limit some of the upgrades that can be done. Darwin Wolf of Preston County indicated that Preston County had no Planning Commission. Karen Allen said she could be available for a US 50 meeting to explain what had happened.

Darwin Wolfe reminded people that the coast-to-coast US 50 yard sale is being held May 19^th thru May 21^st along US 50.

Wayne Spiggle presented the group with a letter he received about signage on US 50 to promote it or remind people that it is a coast-to-coast highway. The letter suggests that signs be placed at the state borders give the distance to the ends. The letter had the following to photos in it.

John Lusk of WVDOH was presented with the letter.

* Speaking with John Lusk after the meeting, he is giving the letter to the proper WVDOH division. John thought that a sign at the Virginia State Line in Hampshire County could read the mileage to Romney, the MD State Line and Sacramento. An eastbound sign at the Maryland line in Grant County could read the mileage to Romney, the VA State Line, and Ocean City, MD. A west bound sign at Preston County’s entry would read mileage to Clarksburg, the OH state line and Sacramento, CA.

Citizens Concerns:
Dawn Parson spoke of her daughter’s tragic death on US 50 at the Mineral/Hampshire County line, and stressed the fact that the condition of the highway was the underlying factor. Dawn ask the federal representatives to look into Home Land Security money for upgrades to US 50, and ask the state to increase the number of DOT officers patrolling in the Eastern Panhandle.

Jerry Giffin spoke of his brother’s death on US 50 near Capon Bridge. Again the condition of the highway design was stressed at the underlying factor.

July Meeting:

Grant County, WV will hold the next meeting at a place to be determined. The date will be July 19^th, 2006.

Meeting Adjourned at 3:30 PM

Taylor County Meeting

Rt. 50 Group meeting

Held at Taylor County Senior Center

March 16^th, 2005 @ 1:00 pm

Sign – in Sheet

1) Diane Parker Taylor Cty Planning Commission

2) Dick Feigley Garrett Co. (Solid Waste)

3) David W. Gobel Taylor Cty Commission

4) Chad Swick Taylor Cty Dev. Authority

5) Ron Swick Taylor Cty Planning Commission

6) Dave Beard Garrett Co. Commissioner

7) Peggy Jamison Garrett County

8) Robert (Buck) True Barbour Cty Rd. Comm

9) Spencer Wooddell Taylor Cty Planning Commission

10) R. Darion Wolfe Preston Cty Comm

11) Robert L. Knotts Taylor Cty Planning Comm

12) Rob Watson WVDOH/Planning

13) William Wood WVDOH/Planning & Res Div

14) Brian Carr WVDOH/Planning & Res Div

15) Joe Mattalion BCEDA-Philippi

16) Don Smith Barbour

17) Rise Straight Mountain Statesman

18) Evelyn Baker Hampshire Cty Planning

19) Charles Baker Mineral County Planning

20) Larry Weaver Preston DOH

21) James M. Smith Taylor County

22) Tony J. Veltri Taylor County Commission

23) Ken Musgrave Mineral County

24) Gary Howell Mineral

25) Arvin Marsh Preston

Suggested Agenda:

Introductions

County by County update, including accident report for the last two months

Update on planning process … Bill Woods, Brian Carr and Associates

Report of Funding Committee … Deb Clatterbuck, Gary Howell, Eleanor Baker, Darwin Wolfe, Ken Musgrave

Review of WVU study on funding issues … Wayne and others

Comments on regional transportation issues … Buck True and others

Potential Web Page… Ken Musgrave, Gary Howell

Next steps and next venue (We haven’t met in Grant County yet.)

Agenda sent by prior email

Introductions – see signup attendance

Brief recap of mission of Rt 50 Assoc. and Strategic Plan

High degree of interest continues after 1 ½ yrs meeting – floating locations in Counties covered by group.

Counties – regions working together for common goals – also important to current Gov. and admin as was last.

All levels of government are acknowledging the efforts of group and “one voice”

County –by-county update

Hampshire; Mineral; Garrett; Preston; Taylor

Absent: Grant

[Funding sources will be discussed in greater detail]

Dave ask where TC projects stand w/state – B. Carr said that 1 (Pruntytown) is held because of historical – but we say has been resolved – always excuses given –

We’ve had 169 accidents in just a 1 ½-1 ¾ mile section of Rt.50 from hosp to 4-corners over the last 4 yrs.

State update of planning process

Brian – 33 sections broken out for accident comparisons –

15 below statewide average

7 just at

10 above or significantly higher than statewide average

“Wish” list – needs further analysis – Taylor County ahead of game because much research and background info done

79 projects on list – including Taylor County.

There was a TC study from Harrison to Grafton but not from Grafton to Preston (East) – needs reviewed and any projects added to list ASAP in order to be considered per Carr – running out of time

Larry Weaver – some on list are small – some he has been able to address directly –reminds us we should also be working w/local depts. For i.e.: guardrails, speed limits, (small project)

Might not be immediate but will be done [ditches, slides] – few thousand dollar price range.

“State” list ranges form $100,000 – to millions.

Prioritize list by state reps – requested last meeting. Hampshire reports they have completed and given to Carr.

List of projects “programmed” but awaiting funding – Carr said may have been handed out last meeting – Doesn’t have today – we requested it!

32 mil – Hampshire

10 mil – Taylor

Dave told about our meeting on 23^rd and need last estimates ASAP

We ask that he redistribute this list “quickly” after this meeting for our reference – He said he has it in his box somewhere and will do his best.

Talked about project that was delayed in Romney and has been in system for 12yrs.

May be other issues – outdated permits or docs – but they will check and try to resurrect.

There is some discrepancy about info from Maddix about missing permits, as Evelyn Baker reports those permits are in the Planning Commission file in Hampshire.

Gary Howell is working w/subgroup for Federal funding but must have list.

In State: 1.5 Billion of Unfunded projects on Books right now.

Things are tight and DOH has been telling folks for years.

WVU conducted studies in order to be independent. He works w/road fund a lot. Federal aid gets about 1 bil/yr – but before any projects can be funded:

Debt Service for Road Bonds – 50mil/yr – 2012

Admin Cost – ie: equip – not salaries 45 mil

Routine Maint – roads/bridges – 320 mil/yr

576 mil per year in State Revenue

450 mil spoken for

115 mil left to use for Fed matching funds or 400/mil per year

Only leaves about 20 mil per year for any/all projects throughout state!

State revenues continue to decrease because of fuel costs going up.

FEAR – if new highway bill goes through and we get 15-20% increase in match – if they (state) get it – they might not qualify because revenues down.

DOH employees cut – 10,000 down to less than 5,000

No way to continue to cut their own budgets.

Now’s the time to get in on ground floor and put name in hat but not a real expectation to be able to add our projects

DMV is not part of DOH – separate agency and DMV gets funds 1^st before DOH

State Police 6 or 7 mil

Now increasing request to 9 mil in order to continue to patrol –

All of these come out of same “pie”. Used to be paid from General Fund but now shifted to highways.

Even Robert Byrd (a genius for getting WV funding) is no longer effectively getting federal highway funds.

70 mil – Appalachian Corridor

40 mil – Interstat

40 mil – NHS – National Highway System (1873 miles in state now)

?) from Spencer – should we seek “National Historic Highway Status”

A) A lot of our requests are Safety related – 5 mil per year

For this group is it better to be NHS? It does have to be voted on - but tabled by group currently –

It was the consensus of the group that “Historic” status hurts us per Howell - - Fed funding is preferred

?) What do we need to do to enable them to get projects

A) We are on right track – get money line – itemed for our projects.

“Magic Money” best from Fed. Budget – doesn’t require state funds (matching) but very hard to get.

Get on Fed. List – keep it simple or we won’t progress

This is band aid – need long term fix – to have revenue increase per WVU Study and recommendations

Private funding only happens through tolls – no one likes and traffic not great enough to sustain consideration

They can take/seek donations from Private Enterprise who needs access – public/private partnering is possible in this respect.

Any of us can download WVU study @ www.bber.wvu.edu

Regional issues – Buck True talked about “creative packaging” of road projects.

Frank Moretti article quoted – is great safety concerns and does cause greatest risk

Rural Roads – High unacceptable risks

Buck has a limited stretch of 50 he is presenting – it is a big project but not all of our wish list – mostly Barbour County.

Byrd relies on DOH to give him priorities but will keep True informed of funding as it is sent.

If we (in solidarity) go down and lobby House/Senate we will get farther as an Association

Web page – Ken Musgrave and Gary Howell – update:

They will create and publish a web site for the association to serve as an informational site. Also will upload historical post card images of Rt. 50 to show nothing has changed.

Summary – Wayne

Next steps

- complete wish list and studies – almost done

- Funding revenues

- One voice in Charleston/Fed.

- Web Page

Will meet in Grant next – location/date/time TBA in email.

Other business/comments

Chad Swick - Thanks to TC Comm for food and McDonald’s drinks

Mr. Harsh – 1^st meeting he attended but suggested Merger/Passing lanes’ talked about 219 and relocation of corridor H and its potential effects on economic development and Rt 50 connectors will/may become important; guard rails should be buried – several other comments about Aurora (overhand of trees –widowmaker)and econ dev.

He appreciates leadership of the association.

Wayne advised him to seek approval through his County Commission

Dave Gobel – consider the following as very possibly going to happen in future –scenario:

I79 shut down and all traffic routed on 50-119 if accident(s). All Northern state traffic stops! A sobering note to end upon.

Meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m.

Garrett County Meeting Minutes

Rt. 50 ASSOCIATION MEETING

7-21-04 at 1 pm

Penn Alps, Grantsville, MD

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 May 19, 2004 meeting.

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, George Washington Highway and Rt. 50 were

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. Western West Virginia

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 Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Grady

Bradfield seconded and it carried.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 in

Romney, WV at the Coca Cola Plant.

Adjournment

Wayne Spiggle adjourned the meeting at 2:25 pm

Mineral County Meeting

ROUTE 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.

David Sypolt, Preston County Surveyor, History of U.S. Route 50 ­ Mr. Sypolt gave an excellent presentation on the history of the Northwestern Turnpike which later became the basic route for U.S. Route 50. An outline of the presentation is attached.

Richard Hartman, WVDOH, reviewed the major points of the Federal By-Way Program.

• Application is first made to the State. State must approve by-way designation before it can be considered for Federal designation.

• 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.

• Once approved, DOH would sign route.

Local group requesting designation is responsible to manage.

• WV received approximately $500,000 annually for the by-way program.

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.

• Route 50 Yard Sale ­ May 21 ­ 23, 2004 ­ Additional information available on internet at www.highway50.com/yardsale.

• 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.