Letter to Robert Byrd

US Senator Robert C. Byrd
311 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510 May 20, 2009

Dear Senator Byrd:

We are writing to urge your support of the appropriations request from US Senator Ben Cardin(D-MD) for the US 220 portion of the proposed North-South Appalachian Corridor in West Virginia and Maryland. Additionally, WVDOT needs approximately $ 2.5 million for its portion of these bi-state preliminary engineering studies required by NEPA.

In a cooperative four state (PA, MD, WV, VA) feasibility study it was forecast that a relocated US 220 four(4) lane divided highway between Interstate 68 in Cumberland, Maryland and Corridor H in West Virginia would generate a 19% increase in permanent jobs or over 8,000 from an existing job base of 43,350 within West Virginia and Maryland. An additional approximately 2,500 jobs would be generated when US Route 219 from I-68 in Maryland to the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-70/76) in Somerset, PA is completed as the northern leg of the North-South Appalachian Corridor.

That is huge for the Potomac Highlands region of our State and your support is critical in this effort.


Sincerely,
Wayne Spiggle,
Mineral Co. Commissioner

Cc: Governor Joe Manchin lll
Congressman Alan Mollohan
Congesswoman Shelly Moore Capito
Secretary Paul A. Mattox

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

March 18th, 2009 Minutes

March 18th, 2009

Meeting Mintues

Penn Alps
125 Casselman Rd
Grantsville, MD 21536


The meeting began at 1:00 P.M. at Penn Alps Restaurant in Grantsville, MD. The Garrett County Commissioner Fred Holliday welcomed the Association to their County. Introductions were held, Represenatives from U.S. Senator Mikulski (Julianna Albowicz), Senator Cardin (Robin Summerfield), and Congresswoman Capito (Chris Strovel), and Congressman Mollohan (Cate Johnson) Offices were present. County Commission representatives from Garrett County Maryland (Fred Holliday), and Mineral (Janice LaRue and Wayne Spiggle), Hampshire (Steve Slonaker), and Preston Counties (Dave Price and Vicki Cole) in West Virginia also attended. Brian Carr from the West Virginia Division of Highways participated in the meeting. Others attending were Mona Ridder, Gary Howell from Mineral County, Charles Baker, Evelyn Baker, and Grady Bradfield from Hampshire County, Arvin Harsh from Preston County, and Liz Beavers from the Mineral News-Tribune.


A lively discussion was held on the minutes of the previous meeting, constituents from Mineral County had concerns over language and discussion of an item. It was determined through consensus that the meetings should be tapes for accuracy of minutes.


David Moe was not present at the meeting; the make-up of the Route 50 Association was discussed. A letter and brief history was read by Mrs. LaRue that clarified the original scope of the Association and it members. Documents were handed out that were drafted at the inception of the Association.


Gary Howell discussed letters that were received, one a response from Governor Manchin, and a letter concerning Corridor O Extension and a letter to promote Tier 2 Funding for U.S. 220. Cate Jonson from Congress Mollohan’s Office informed the Association of an house of Representatives Bill that was introduced, HR 1489 concerning Corridor O. On the issue of 220, Senator Byrd needs a letter to push for funding and also needs Governor Manchin’s support. Maryland also needs to help fund the project.


Brian Carr and members of the Association with knowledge of their individual counties gave a brief update on road improvements that were both under construction and proposed.


A discussion was held concerning designating Route 50 as a Scenic Byway. It was determined that Karen Ebert Allen, from the West Virginia Division of Highways, whom is in charge of Scenic Byways in the State should hold a meeting with the individual county commissions the address questions and concerns over the designations, Mr. Carr suggested holding consolidated meetings considering travel issues for Ms. Allen and similarity in questions and concerns from the commissions. It was also determined that part of Route 50 has already been designated as such and that individual sections could be designated. The individual county commissions could choose to designate the entire length or parts of the road in their county.

A short statement was given on the issues arising with Route 50 in Hampshire County. Improvements near Dunmore Ridge, Timber Ridge, Bear Garden Mountain, Grassy Lick, Mountain Top, and Cooper Mountain were given in a list. Mr. Slonaker thanked Mr. Carr for the improvements that Hampshire County did get. The three lane in Romney is in the Stimulus money at this time, South Little Cacapon Road would have to be checked in the six year stip. Mr. Carr stated the six year stip can be checked at wvdot.com. A sidenote was given that Maryland projects can be checked at www.recovery.gov.

Arvin Harsh from Preston County voiced his concern of a dangerous intersection of U.S. Route 50 and Route 24. Brian Carr stated a speed study was going to be performed in late spring or summer. Fred Holliday from Garrett County proposed the possibility of Preston County helping with the funding the improvements, much the same way they do in Maryland. A question was ask on the paving from Aurora to the Maryland line.

Preston County was determined to be the next host site for the May Meeting, at a place to be determined later.

The Meeting Adjourned.

Governor Manchin Request Response

January 30, 2009

Mr. Gary Howell
PO Bo 39
Keyser, WV 26726-0039

Dear Mr. Howell:

Thank you for contacting my office. I appreciate your thoughts and concerns, and particularly the time you took to send them to me.

Your correspondence has been forwarded to the appropriate division in my office for further review.

Please accecpt my most sincere best wishes for the future.

With warmest regardsm
Joe Manchin III
Governor

JM:mrp

Mineral County Meeting Agenda November 19th, 2008

November 19th, 2008

Mineral County Meeting Agenda

Flying W Restaurant

US 50 West
Burlington, WV 26710

I. 12:00 Lunch

II. 1:00 Introductions

III. Minutes of Previous Meeting

IV. Correspondence

V. Old Business

a. US 50 brochure – Gary Howell

b. WV 93 Extension Update – Bill Woods

c. US 50 Harrison County Closure Update – Brian Carr

d. NHS US 220 Corridor Route Update – Brian Carr

VI. New Business

a. Re-introduction of Corridor O Bill

b. US 220 Tier 2 funding request revisit

c. Turn removal projects using local DOH

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

IX. Volunteer host site for next meeting – Grant County

X. Adjourn

Tentative Meeting Schedule

21 January 2009 – Grant County

18 March 2009 – Garrett County

15 July 2009 – Preston County

16 September 2009 – Taylor County

18 November 2009 – Hampshire County

20 January 2010 – Mineral County

HR 4827 Request Letter

Ladies & Gentlemen:

My name is David Moe and I am a member of the US Route 50 Association.

We are a group of citizens and county government representatives in the Potomac Highland region of the Appalachian Mountains of Maryland and West Virginia concerned with the lack of transportation infrastructure in our region necessary for job creation and economic growth.

In addition to improvements to US Route 50 our organization is advocating the extension of Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) Corridor O from I-68 near Cumberland, MD to Corridor H in West Virginia.

ADHS Corridor O is US Route 220 and coincides with US 50 for a few miles in West Virginia.

We are requesting your legislators to co-sponsor HR 4827 in the House and introduce similar legislation in the Senate as was done in the 109th Congress as HR 5031 and S 719.

HR 4827 was introduced in December of 2007 by Congressman Alan Mollohan (D-WV) and we have just learned Congresswoman Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV) has agreed to co-sponsor it in the House.

If nothing can be accomplish this legislative session we request this be incorporated in the SAFE-TEA LU re-authorization legislation next year.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and we hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

David Moe

Preston County Minutes May, 2008

Minutes

May 21^st, 2008

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County, Wayne Spiggle-Mineral County Commission, David Moe - Garrett County, Arvin Harsh – Preston County, , Cate Johnson – Congressman Mollohan’s Office, Chris Strovel – Congresswoman Capito’s Office, Walt Davis – Hampshire County, Grady Bradfield – Hampshire County, Craig Jennings – Preston County, Dave Price – Preston County, Vicky Cole – Preston County, Allen Murlin – Mineral County,

Introductions: Preston County Commission Dave Price opened the meeting. Mineral County Commissioner Wayne Spiggle made the introductions welcoming everyone to the meeting.

Correspondence: None

Old Business: Dave Moe pointed out two corrections needed for the March Minutes. Corridor N (US 219) was incorrectly labeled as Corridor 0 and Federal Toll Credits was incorrectly listed as Federal Toll Funds. The corrections have been noted.

Cate Johnson of Congressman Mollohan’s (D) office indicated that no progress had been made on co-sponsors on H.R. 4827. H.R. 4827 is the bill that makes a 4-lane highway between I-68 at Cumberland, MD and Corridor H part of the Appalachian Development Highway System. The corridor would be known as a Corridor O extension and generally follow the path of the current US 220. Chris Strovel of Congresswoman Capito’s (R) office announced at the meeting that the Congresswoman would be co-sponsoring H.R. 4827, and that information would be forwarded to Congressman Mollohan’s office shortly. With the addition of Congresswoman Capito’s name on the bill, H.R. 4827 will now have bipartisan support making it easier to move forward. The Corridor O extension will build a section of US 50 as 4-lane in Mineral County if completed.

The issue of a traffic light near the WVDMV office on US 50 east of Romney was tabled until a later meeting.

New Business: It was announced that US 50 remains closed after several months near the Taylor-Harrison County line. The road was closed when the mountain slid in. Traffic is being re-routed via WV 279 to I-79. No date for the road reopening is available.

Arvin Harsh asked the group to address the state on the safety issue of the US 50/WV 24 intersection in Aurora. The Aurora Fire Department and Lions Club had previously asked the US 50 Association to ask for help from the state. The Preston County commission asked Arvin Harsh to attend the next public commission meeting for the commission to draft a formal request to the WVDOH for a realignment of the intersection. It was also decided that the US 50 Association would also draft a similar letter.

Mr. Harsh also asked if something could be done about the trees hanging over the road east of Aurora. Some of these trees have fallen onto the highway in bad weather causing traffic hazards. It was debated whether or not it was the responsibility of the land owner next to the highway to trim the trees or the WVDOH. Both the Preston County Commission and the US 50 Association will ask the WVDOH to trim the trees for safety.

West Virginians for Better Transportation released their Candidate Survey results. They can be found at: http://www.keepwvmoving.org/shared/content/WVBT%20Survey%20for%20website.xls

Wayne Spiggle asked the Association if the group would like to give $1000 to WVBT to promote the need for better roads in WV. Dave Price stated that the purpose of the US 50 Association was to promote a better highway and that was the goal of the WVBT. He saw no problem giving the money to promote awareness of West Virginia’s highway problems.

Gary Howell suggested the group put its own brochure together. The brochure could be given to businesses along US 50 to promote the goals of a safer more economically viable US 50 from Winchester to Clarksburg. Grady Bradfield thought this was an excellent idea. The group decided to move forward on creating a brochure. Wayne Spiggle offered to assist Mr. Howell in creating the document.

Gary Howell spoke with Taylor County Commissioner Rusty Efaw about the up coming July meeting. Commissioner Efaw looking forward to the meeting, the Taylor County Library volunteered to host the meeting possibly in conjunction with the Taylor County Chamber of Commerce. The group was encouraged with increasing participation of the Taylor County.

It was also suggested that a special invitation to the September meeting be extended to the Frederick County, VA board of Supervisors and VDOT officials. VDOT has been working with the US 50 Association on getting out press releases on highway construction delays on their portion of US 50.

The group also decided to request that Governor Manchin send a representative to future meetings to better coordinate efforts with the state.

Regional Issues: Dave Moe spoke on the Toll Credit issue that was unique to Pennsylvania. The ability for Pennsylvania to use Toll Road Credits for completion of Corridor N, between I-70 and I-68 was in inadvertently removed. This is preventing Pennsylvania from coming up with its $9 million to complete the next section and receive $45 million in Federal matching funds. H.R. 1195 was introduced and passed out of the US House, but the correction measure was left off. Wayne Spiggle asked Dave Moe to follow up with Nora Martin in Senator Byrd’s office. Corridor N and the Corridor O extension will act as a connection between Corridor H and the PA Turnpike providing increased economic opportunity to MD, PA, VA and WV.

Additional Information: US 50 Paving Projects 2008

Grant County - US 50 - MP 7.45 - 8.83 - 1.38 miles - Mt. Storm - Skyline ($325,000)

Grant County - US 50 - MP 8.83 - 9.64 - 0.81 miles - Mt. Storm - Skyline ($192,000)

Mineral County - US 50 - MP 0.00 - 3.44 - 3.44 miles - Abrams Creek - Skyline Road ($923,000)

Preston County - US 50 - MP 8.84 - 10.88 - 2.04 miles - Macomber Road West ($477,000)

July Meeting:

Taylor County is next on the schedule to host the July 16th meeting at a place to be determined.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:05

Tentative Meeting Schedule

16 July 2008 - Taylor County
17 September 2008 - Hampshire County
19 November 2008 - Mineral County

Minutes March 19, 2008

Minutes

March 19, 2008

Recorded Attendees: Maryland Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R) - Gary Howell – Mineral County, Wayne Spiggle-Mineral County Commission, Charlie Baker – Hampshire County Planner, Brian Carr – WVDOH Charleston, David Stemple – Preston County, Delores Stemple – Preston County, Evelyn Baker-Hampshire County, David Moe - Garrett County, Mona Ridder – Cumberland TimesNews, Bob Fisher – MDSHA, Arvin Harsh – Preston County, Brenda Frantz – Congressman Bartlett’s Office, Cat Johnson – Congressman Mollohan’s Office, Chris Strovel – Congresswoman Capito’s Office, Julianna Albowicz – Senator Mikulsi’s Office, Dennis Glotfelty – Garrett County Commission

Introductions: Dennis Glotfelty opened the meeting. Mineral County Commissioner Wayne Spiggle made the introductions welcoming everyone to the meeting. He made special recognition of Maryland Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, and thanked Gary Howell for taking care of communications and minutes.

Correspondence: None

Old Business:

Cate Johnson of Congressman Mollohan’s stated that the Corridor O Bill has been introduced as H.R. 4827. 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. Congressman Bartlett was presented with a copy of the bill.

David Moe gave a detailed report on the North-South Corridor Project. Gary Howell explained that US 220 in combination with several other routes was being used by truck traffic to bypass the Washington, DC when traveling out of the port of Norfolk to the industrial areas around Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Detroit.

The US 50 Association requested that Congressman Bartlett look over the bill and if he felt it was something that he could support, would he co-sponsor the bill giving it bipartisan support. The same was asked of Congresswoman Capito’s office. David Moe reinforced the need for the road with a 1998 estimate that the US 220 upgrades could provide the opportunity for up to 10,000 jobs in the area.

David Moe also discussed a funding problem that needs changed in the Federal Law. Recently the Federal Law was changed not allowing Toll Credits to be used as matching funds. This change in the law was blocking Pennsylvania from using $9 million as matching funds to complete a section of Corridor N in Somerset County. He requested that Congressman Bartlett look at changing the law back to the way it was.

Congressman Bartlett also stated that fuel prices are causing a funding problem for most states as fuel tax is a per gallon tax. As oil reaches $110 a barrel, that people are driving less and causing a short fall in highway funding which source is the fuel tax.

Evelyn Baker explained that the stop light funding for Jersey Mountain had been returned to the state because to many entrances were now in that area. It was requested that WVDOH look into possibly closing some entrance roads and combining them into one where a traffic light could be installed. Wayne Spiggle requested that the Hampshire County Commission look into it. Association. Brian Carr said he would contact the Engineering Division to look at the area in question.

New Business:

Evelyn Baker addressed a possible way to reduce the cost of a 4-lane section to the tax payers by using an area that would have less mountains to cross. The route would follow US 50 east of Romney to Augusta where it would then swing north on WV 29 to WV 127 crossing into Virginia. In Virginia it would follow VA 127 to US 522 South to VA 37 to Interstate 81 South, then returning to the existing US 50. A 4-lane section should connect the Capon Bridge Industrial Park to the VA line.

Arvin Harsh presented two resolutions requesting the changing of the intersection of US 50 and WV 24 in Aurora for safety. One was from the Mountains Lions Club and the other from the Aurora Volunteer Fire Department. (A version will be added to the US 50 Association Website for revue). The estimated cost to change the intersection from a “Y” to a “T” was $150,000 several years ago.

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett was given an opportunity to make a few remarks. The congressman stated that we need citizens groups involved like the US 50 Association. We need less government and more citizens’ involvement. He agrees that we need better roads.

November Meeting:

Preston County is next on the schedule to host the May 21st meeting at Melanie’s in Aurora.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:11

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.

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.