The U.S. Route 50 Association met at the Mountain Top Truck Stop in Romney, Hampshire County, on September 16, 2009

The recorded attendees are as follows:

Arvin Harsh

Rita Harsh

Cate Johnson – Office of Congressman Mollohan

Chris Strovel – Shelley Moore Capitol’s Office

Stephen Smoot

Gary Howell

Evelyn Baker

David R. Parker\Charles Baker

Wayne Spiggle

Liz Beaver

Craig Jennings

At 1:00 p.m., following a luncheon period, Chairman Craig Jennings, County

Commissioner from Preston County, opened the business meeting.

Mr. Jennings stated that in the past, Gary Howell has been providing the secretary duties of the Association. However, it has been agreed by members that the elected Chairperson would be responsible to provide a secretary. An account has been set up and each county will contribute $500. to assist with expenses.

Mr. Jennings introduced Dianna Hartman, Administrative Secretary to the Preston County Commission, who is today recording the minutes.

It was appropriately moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the May 20, 2009 meeting.

There was no correspondence for consideration.

Under Old Business, Mr. Harsh advised that nothing has yet been done on the intersection of WV24/US50, in the Aurora area. He said he believes the “logical” thing before any repaving is done would be to upgrade. He said he would like to see someone from the state department meet with locals and perhaps hold a public hearing. He believes that project has been over engineered and over cost. He also has questions about the rights of ways on 24/50. He said in traveling to Hampshire County today, he has seen costly projects currently in progress and he believes the 24/50 project would be much simpler and cheaper to correct.

Cate Johnson stated that Congressman Mollohan’s Office will also contact the state concerning this project.

Craig Jennings will also have the Preston County Commission to send another letter to the appropriate officials.

In reference to the Little Cacapon Road, while the District Engineer has advised that money has been appropriated for that project, nothing seems to be happening at this time. The project was to be done last year.

Under New Business, Mr. Jennings asked for discussion of 2010 goals. It is his wish to get County Commissions on board with the Association and to have by-laws enacted this year.

It is believed that with the completion of Corridor H, there should be money available for some of the feeder roads.

Mr. Harsh believes that Route 219 leading into Thomas should also be looked at.

Mr. Howell stated that he would like a goal of 2010 to be to continue 4-laning some areas, particularly from Clarksburg to 81. He believes that some existing roads could be 4-laned. He said many priorities were listed some years ago and he believes the Association should review that list.

Mr. Parker said he believes communication with the federals is quite important.

Gary Howell said it is important to get National Guard units involved for emergency evacuations and national security. These plans should be implemented.

He believes it would be beneficial if both state and federal delegates could attend meetings.

There was discussion on what dates and times would be best for Association meetings. Some suggested that perhaps a night meeting should be considered.

Mr. Spiggle moved, seconded by Mr. Harsh to hold Route US 50 Association meetings the first Tuesday of odd months, with the time for the next meeting to be determined by Chairman Jennings, after consulting with Brian Carr and Bill Woods as to their availability. All were in favor. Motion carried.

Mr. Jennings is going to work hard to get Taylor County more involved.

There were no specific regional issues.

Under citizens concerns, Mr. Harsh extended special recognition to Mr. Spiggle and Mr. Howell for bringing this group together for the improvement of all. They deserve a special thanks. All were in agreement.

Gary Howell announced that Mineral County will be the host county for the next meeting , tentatively scheduled for November 3, with the location to be announced.

The meeting in Grant County is scheduled for January 5.

There being no further comments or business, Chairman Jennings declared the meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m.

Hampshire County Meeting Agenda September 16, 2009

September 16, 2009

Hampshire County Meeting Agenda

Mountain Top Truck Stop

US Rt. 50 East

Romney, WV 26757

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. South Little Cacapon Rd and US 50 turn status – Bill Woods

VI. New Business

a. Discussion of 2010 Goals

b. Possible change in meeting date

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

IX. Volunteer host site for next meeting – Mineral County

X. Adjourn

Tentative Meeting Schedule

18 November 2009 – Mineral County

20 January 2010 – Grant County

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

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.

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

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.