January 2007 Minutes

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County Planning Commission, Charles Baker – Hampshire County Planning Commission, Evelyn Baker-Hampshire County Planning Commission, William Wood-WVDOH Charleston, Wayne Spiggle-Mineral County Commission, Ken Musgrave-Mineral County, Brian Car – WVDOH Charleston, Marc Bashoor-Mineral County Emergency Management, Craig Jennings-Preston County Commission, Melinda Jensen-Hampshire Review, Richard Fagley-Garrett County, John Lusk-WVDOH, Frank Whitacre-Hampshire County Assessor, Janice LaRue-Mineral County Commission, Dave Moe-Garrett County Development, Les Shoemaker-Hampshire County Development, Mona Ridder-Cumberland Times-News, Elaine Blaisdell-News Tribune, Mark White WVDOH Charleston.

Opening & Introductions: Lunch took place at the Pines in Keyser, WV. Janice LaRue welcomed everyone to the meeting. New to the group was Craig Jennings from Preston County who was introduced first. This meeting was somewhat smaller than most as there were a lot of scheduling conflicts.

Old Business: Taylor County's lack of attendance in an official capacity was brought up. No response arrived from the letter sent to the group. Wayne Spiggle placed several phone calls, but none were returned. Craig Jennings of Preston County offered to make personal contact with the Taylor Count Commission.

State Senator Clark Barnes offered to set up a meeting in Washington with Senator Robert C. Byrd. With the Democrats in power in Washington, this may allow for additional funding for US 50 projects. It was also indicated that Clark Barnes serves on West Virginia’s Roads and Transportation Senate Committee, and is the Minority Whip. Robert Schadler is the Minority Chair of the House Roads and Transportation Committee, both being from this area should help with upgrades to US 50 from the state level.

Ken Musgrave has the frame work of the Power Point presentation. He needs additional content. Gary Howell will work with him, and it was suggested that Frank O’Hara be contacted for the content that he already has. Evelyn Baker states that Hampshire County had statistics they would like to include.

Richard Fagley spoke on US 50 being used as an evacuation route for DC in the event of an emergency. Marc Bashoor said that was above the level of local planning, but the emergency services of the regional counties were working together and will be holding a Homeland Security Drill. It was brought up that at the last meeting it was stated no money would be used to upgrade roads for evacuations, but Gary Howell indicated that the Defense Highways Act created the Interstate Highway System for that reason and that was a precedent.

Wayne Spiggle spoke on the group becoming a member of “West Virginians for Better Roads.” There are no dues for this group, and it may help to gain exposure and explore avenues of funding. The group had statistics that the WV road fatality rate is 50% above the national average, and leads the nation in narrow roads.

A brief discussion reviewed the scenic highway information from the last Preston County meeting.

Janice LaRue gave a report on the DOH meeting from Mineral County day. The state is holding off on the WV 93 extension, which affects a section of US 50. She indicated that with some prodding they may move sooner on this.

Bill Woods returned from a morning meeting on the North-South US 220 Corridor which will overlap some section of US 50 to be determined. This is on track and public meetings will be held soon.

With the completion of the Tier One study, this indicates a 4000 ft wide corridor where the road will be located. Dave Moe suggested that we request that a form of 109^th Congress Bill S.719 or H.R.5031 be reintroduced this session to provide funding from the ADHS, as well as an extension of corridor D east from Clarksburg to Virginia.

Citizen Concerns: None

March Meeting:

Grant County will host the next meeting on March 21^st at a place to be determined.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:07.

Mineral County Meeting Agenda

January 17^th, 2007

Mineral County Meeting Agenda

Pines Restaurant

New Creek Drive (US 220)

Keyser, WV 26726

I. 12:00 Lunch – 1:00

II. Introductions

III. Minutes of Previous Meeting

IV. Correspondence

V. Old Business

a. Power Point Update – Ken Musgrave

VI. New Business

a. D.C. Evacuation – Dick Fagley

b. Becoming an affiliate of “West Virginian’s for Better Transportation” – Wayne Spiggle

c. Mineral County Day WVDOH meeting report – Wayne Spiggle

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

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

X. Adjourn

November 2006 Minutes

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County Planning Commission, Lotta Neer – Congressman Alan Mollohan’s Office, Darwin Wolfe – Preston County Commission, Grady Bradfield – Hampshire County, Charles Baker – Hampshire County Planning Commission, Evelyn Baker-Hampshire County Planning Commission, William Wood-WVDOH Charleston, Wayne Spiggle-Mineral County Commission, Ken Musgrave-Mineral County, Dave Beard-Garrett County Commission, Brian Car – WVDOH Charleston, Donald Cookman-Hampshire County Commission, Law Spangler-Hampshire County Planning Commission, Mitch Davis-Hampshire County, John Reisenweber-Congresswoman Shelly Capito’s Office, Marc Bashoor-Mineral County Emergency Management, Steve Slonaker-Hampshire County Commission.

Opening: Lunch took place at the Loy Foundation in Romney, WV. Steve Slonaker welcomed everyone to the meeting, and also took the time to speak highly of Scott Kimble which recently lost his life in a collision on US 50 in Hampshire County.

Introductions: During introductions Outgoing Garrett County Commissioner Dave Beard and Preston County’s Darwin Wolfe were recognized for their service and perfect attendance of the US 50 Association. It was announced that Dennis Glotfelty of Garrett County, and Craig Jennings of Preston County would be taking over for their respective counties. Dave Beard also stated that group was having an impact on safety and improvements along the road. Darwin Wolfe indicated this is shown when the representatives of the congressional delegation are regularly attending the meetings.

Old Business: Taylor County's lack of attendance in an official capacity was brought up. Wayne Spiggle requested that an official letter be sent to the Taylor County Commission. Gary Howell volunteered to construct the letter.

Discussion was held that US 50 was one of the most dangerous roads in West Virginia, and it is believed that it is more dangerous than US 35 which the governor has identified as a priority for safety. Brian Carr and Bill Woods of WVDOH presented numbers of traffic collisions along both US 35 and US 50. Bill Woods indicated that you could interpret the numbers in different ways. While the worst section US 35 in Putnam County had about 100 more traffic collisions between 2003 and 2006 than worst section of US 50 did, US 50 had 2 more deaths in the same time period. It was pointed out with the higher volume of traffic on US 35 (nearly double) statistically per mile driven your odds on having a collision on US 50 are much higher.

Evelyn Baker asked what we needed to do to get Governor Manchin to request the priority projects identified by each county be put on the states 6-year plan. Wayne Spiggle asked Gary Howell to construct a letter to the Governor and the Commissioner of Transportation requesting the small projects list be made a priority.

John Reisenweber of Congresswoman Capito’s Office stated that the meeting between the Hampshire County delegation and the US Secretary of Transportation was productive. US 50 is now on the radar of the US Department of Transportation for needing upgrading.

Marc Bashoor of Mineral County EMS spoke on US 50 being an evacuation route for DC in an emergency and that the road could not handle the traffic. Both Lotta Neer of Congressman Mollohan’s office and John Reisenweber believed that funding could not be secured for road improvements based on the possibility of a mass exodus of the DC area.

Ken Musgrave of Mineral County volunteered to put together a power point presentation for the Secretary of Transportation to push the need for upgrades on US 50. Wayne Spiggle asked Gary Howell to help, and he agreed.

Gary Howell spoke on a phone conversation he had with the WV Secretary of Transportation on the stated policy of building all 4-lane roads only on new alignments. Gary pointed out that by using the existing 2-lane as Virginia does for one side of the road it can save 30% to 35% on construction cost of a 4-lane road. He felt that the state should take a serious look at changing its policy, so that more 4-lane roads can be built with the same amount of funding. Many sections of US 50 could be upgraded in this way to reduce the cost. Bill Woods stated that has been the policy of WVDOH, but that may be changing as they state is currently looking at upgrading sections of US 35 by using the existing road as one side of a 4-lane.

Citizen Concerns: None

January Meeting:

Mineral County will host the next meeting on January 17^th at a place to be determined.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:17.

Hampshire County Meeting Agenda

November 15^th, 2006

Hampshire County Meeting Agenda

Loy Foundation (Old Coke Plant)

426 East Main St

Romney, WV 26757

I. 12:00 Lunch – 1:00

II. Introductions

III. Minutes of Previous Meeting

IV. Correspondence

V. Old Business

a. Danger of the Highway as compared to others in West Virginia – Wayne Spiggle

VI. New Business

a. Doable Priorities for the next West Virginia legislative session – Wayne Spiggle

b. 4-lane using existing road as one side – Gary Howell

c. Increasing through traffic on US 220 multiplexed section – Gary Howell

d. D.C. Evacuation – Dick Fagley

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

IX. Volunteer host site for next meeting

X. Adjourn

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

Grant County Meeting Agenda

July 19^th, 2006

Grant County Meeting Agenda

Hermitage Inn Restaurant

203 Virginia Ave
Petersburg, WV 26847

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. Present Priority Project list – Gary Howell

VI. New Business

a. Coast-to-coast signage

1. WVDOH & MDSHA’s position

2. Hampshire County CVB – Evelyn Baker

b. Federal Funding Subcommittee Report – Gary Howell

c. August Preparedness Summit at Canaan – Wayne Spiggle

d. 3-lane alternative for US 50 – Gary Howell

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

IX. Volunteer host site for next meeting

X. Adjourn

Preston County Meeting

U. S. Route 50 Association

Minutes for September 21, 2005 Meeting

Melanie’s Family Restaurant

Aurora, West Virginia 26705

Present:

Wayne Spiggle	788-3924	Facilitator / Mineral
Dave Sypolt	davesypolt@atlanticbb.net	Preston
Michael Bland	mbland@mineralcountywv.com	Mineral
David Stemple		Preston
Delores Stemple		Preston
Mona Ridder	Times-News	WV / MD
Arvin Harsh	735-3261	Preston / Eglon
Dave Moe	301-616-3448	Garrett
L. Darwin Wolfe	265-1658 or 265-1659	Preston Commissioner
Evelyn Baker	304-822-3647	Hampshire
Gary Howell	304-788-5391	Mineral
Brian Carr	304-558-9580	WVDOH – Charleston
Vicki Cole	304-329-1805	Preston Commissioner
William Wood	304-558-6922	WVDOH – Charleston
Terri L. Funk	304-290-1122	Preston Assessor & COC
Dave Price	304-329-1805	Preston Commissioner
Peggy Jamison	301-334-8981	Garrett
Robert Amtower	304-289-3521	WVDOH – District Five

Introductions:

Meeting was called to order by Dr. Wayne Spiggle at 1:00 PM and self introductions were made around the room.

Minutes:

Minutes from the July 20, 2005 meeting were reviewed and approved as written.

Comments on “Building of U. S. Route 50:

Presented by Arvin Harsh, a brief discussion about how U. S. Route 50 was built with manual labor and horses. Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone made visits to see about logging and industrialization of the areas along where U. S. Route 50 now resides.

Regional Review:

Hampshire County, reported by Evelyn Baker, said Senator Byrd has been helpful. A letter from Senator Byrd’s office was read to the group. A study and report dated August 4, 2005 from WVDOH Planning and Research Division which reviews and analyses safety along the US Route 50 will be forwarded. The 6 year plan is updated every quarter and is next published to cover January 2006 through December 2011. The six year plan is published on the Internet at: http://www.wvdot.com/6-year-plan/

To successfully promote US Route 50 improvements, we must have Governor Manchin on board with our agenda. Some funding has been extended for homeland security which may be a source for transportation improvements also. The Federal Highway Bill passed but the State must match funds.

There were two fatal car accidents near Capon and one new fatality in Hampshire.

Mineral County, reported by Robert Amtown, there have been several accidents at U. S. Route 50 and U. S. Route 220 at top of Knobley Mountain. It has been recommended that an all way stop be installed there to force drivers to stop and look. Public is generally against that plan. The Director of Transportation has personally viewed the intersection. Possible help by installing a rumble strip.

Grant County is dealing with the Corp of Engineers on road improvements.

Garrett County, reported by Peggy Jamison, was focusing on improvements with the intersections of U. S. Route 50 with Routes 219 and 560.

Preston County, reported by L. Darwin Wolfe, expects minimal improvements on U. S. Route 50. We have some areas needing guide (guard) rail installation and improvements. The bank East of the intersection at Fellowsville School needs scraped back to improve site distance; also, Route 24 and U. S. Route 50 intersection at Aurora should be converted into a “T” intersection. The Commission has primarily been working with the Preston County Chamber of Commerce to improve WV Route 7.

Taylor County has not been represented at the last few meetings.

Old Business:

Bill Wood and Brian Carr reported that with State matching funds for Federal Highway Dollars, there will be $3 million in U. S. Route 50 improvements this year alone. The cost are approximately $50 – 60 k per mile to re-surface and $275 – 400 k per mile for upgrade to Federal standards. A question was asked about clear zones beside highways and who is responsible if a tree falls on a highway.

On North – South Corridor to connect Corridor H with Interstate 68, Dave Moe cited an “upper management delay.” Bill Wood reported that in 2003 funding became available and very little else was done. In 2004 mapping was updated, a memo of understanding between the administration and environmental, and a short list was compiled by late fall. Some environmental issues were settled in January 2005 and a Tier 1 study was begun. Expected to have a scope settled in next two months.

Dave Moe stated that it is not beneficial to jump ahead quickly without exhausting the environmental studies and carefully planning with regard to environmental impacts.

New Business:

An attempt will be made to get involvement from Taylor County; an effort should be made to make new contacts and attempt to get input from their County Officials.

We discussed having the meetings every two months and decided to continue on that schedule.

It was decided to continue dialogue with US Senator Byrd’s office and work to get Governor Manchin on board with the economic stimulus of improving U. S. Route 50. Tourism through motorcycle and bicycle sponsored events will bring dollars into the area and place a focus on the importance of U. S. Route 50. We have o be careful that our efforts do not preclude the ability to improve U. S. Route 50 for future industry and commerce.

Adjourn:

The meeting was adjourned at 2:18 PM. We will attempt to get a meeting set up for Taylor County with the help of their officials on the third Wednesday of November. Dinner at 12:00 and meeting at 1:00 PM