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

July 2008 Minutes, Hampshire County Meeting

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County, Wayne Spiggle-Mineral County Commission, Arvin Harsh – Preston County, Cate Johnson – Congressman Mollohan’s Office, Ashley Paxson – Congresswoman Capito’s Office, Robert Hott – Hampshire County Commission, Gary Dove – Frederick County Board of Supervisors, Evelyn Baker – Hampshire County, Charles Baker – Hampshire County Planner, Clyde Burdock – Mineral County Planning Commission President, Jerry Copp – VDOT, Betty Spiggle – Mineral County, Alex Bridges – Northern Virginia Daily, Bobbie Carpenter – News Tribune, Bob Fisher – MDSHA, Brian Carr – WVDOH Charleston, Bill Wood – WVDOH – Charleston, Mona Ridder – MCDA.

Introductions: Hampshire County Commissioner Robert Hott opened the meeting. Mineral County Commissioner Wayne Spiggle made the introductions welcoming everyone to the meeting. Pointing out that for the first time representatives from the departments responsible for highways in MD, VA & WV were all present.

Correspondence: Arvin Harsh presented the group with a copy of a letter received in response to our request that the intersection of US 50 and WV 24 in Preston County be upgraded for safety. The letter from Congressman Mollohan’s office included a copy of a letter received to his office from WVDOT head Paul Mattox. The group elected to follow up with a thank you letter.

Brian Carr said when they looked at the statistics for the intersection and stated that it was low for accidents and low for truck traffic which is the primary problem with the intersection. Arvin stated that there had been 3 deaths at the intersection in the last 4 years. Bill Wood stated the normally the department only looks at 3 years of data, but said that WVDOH would coordinate on a local level for more information. The states records showed that westbound sight distance was the primary cause of problems with the intersection.

Wayne received correspondence from West Virginians for Better Transportation, but it was not available at the meeting. It will be posted on the US 50 blog.

Old Business: H.R. 4827 was discussed. Cate Johnson of Congressman Mollohan’s (WV-1) office said the only movement on the bill was the co-sponsoring by Congresswoman Shelley Capito (WV-2). This does give the bill bipartisan support in the house. Gary Howell was asked to explain the bill to attendees not present at previous meetings and did so.

Bill Wood explained the US 50 closure for the past 4 months listed as Taylor County was actually on the Harrison County side of the county line and expected it to be closed for at least another 2 months. He recommended contacting WVDOH District 4 for more up to date information.

The Jersey Mountain stop light project has been put on hold. It was being pushed primarily by former WV House member Jerry Mezzatesta. WVDOH currently does not see a need for a light in that area with current traffic statistics. Carr suggested that the US 50 Association or the Hampshire County Commission request a new study since the current one is now 4 years old and new data may change their findings.

Commissioner Hott stated that pulp wood truck drivers were opposed to a light at that location because of having to stop on the hill. Evelyn Baker pointed out that Hampshire High School was adjacent to the area and could benefit from the added safety of the traffic light. A frontage road was also discussed to collect the traffic before it went to varies entrances and funnel it to one area to make a light more effective. Carr stated while this would be a functional option, it does increase the cost with addition of a new road requiring the purchasing of property and closing existing entrances.

New Business: Gary Howell requested input on the US 50 Brochure that the group plans to publish. Bill Woods suggested that I primary focus on tourism along the route as many people travel it for scenic and historic value. It was suggest putting a history of the route along with a brief history of the US 50 Association. Gary also requested that each county submit a list of historic places along US in their county, but only those places directly on US 50.

Jerry Copp of VDOT presented a very good presentation of how Virginia builds and maintains its roads. By state statute a board distributes funds to the various districts based on perceived need. A portion of each district funds are set for secondary roads, those funds are allocated by a county board made of local citizens who hold public hearings.

Jerry went on to say that VDOT does not have US 50 west of Winchester high on the list for improvement, but that could change if the current conditions change.

Jerry also stated that the district had requested cameras be placed on the VA/WV line on US 50 and US 522 to monitor traffic flow and weather conditions. The cameras would be available via the internet. The US 50 Association stated it would write a letter in support of a camera location on US 50 at the state line.

VDOT thanked both, WVDOH and the US 50 Association, for working with them on a road closure when the rail road track crossings were replaced on US 50. He said that WVDOH did a good job providing detour route signs, and the US 50 Association did a good job disseminating the information to the local press. He also noted that a similar closure will possibly occur in August for the replacement of another crossing near Hayfield, VA

Evelyn Baker spoke briefly about an alternate route for US 50 on behalf of State Senator John Unger. Unger not being present and a meeting with Hampshire County officials forthcoming, Evelyn requested the matter be tabled until all parties had been contacted.

Brian Carr stated that the WVDOH had made just a visual look at the proposed route that follows WV 29 and VA/WV 127 to US 522 and that while it would be easier to build from a construction stand point; it would add 5 miles to the current route. He suggested that the US 50 Association request a preliminary study from the WVDOH on both the new route and the existing route for upgrade to 4-lanes.

Regional Issues: VDOT stated as to Corridor H that Virginia decided, in 1995, not to participate in the Corridor H project. That was 13 years ago, but the current plan for the next 6 years has nothing for Corridor H. No preliminary studies are planned to look for a possible route. If when WV completes its portion and a large amount of traffic is using VA’s 2-lane section of the road, then VA will look to see if a study is warranted to see if a study for a new road should be planned.

Bob Fisher of MDSHA announced that new high intensity warning lights would replace the existing warning light system at the intersection of US 50 and US 219 near Red House, MD. The upgrades would also include new warning signs for the intersection. This project should be complete within the next 4 weeks.

Paving projects along US 50 in Maryland have been delayed do to the rising cost of asphalt and the rising cost of fuel. They will try to complete the projects this year, but they may be delayed until spring.

Gary Dove of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors told the group he was glad he attended the meeting and that it was very informative.

September Meeting:

Taylor County is next on the schedule to host the September 17th meeting at a place to be determined.

Meeting Adjourned at 1:59

Tentative Meeting Schedule

17 September 2008 - Taylor County

19 November 2008 - Mineral County

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

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.

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.