STRATEGIC PLAN
U.S. ROUTE 50 ASSOCIATION
Purpose and Mission of a Route 50 Association
The mission of the Association is to improve U.S. Route 50 from the Virginia line to Clarksburg WV so that this road will fulfill modern day safety standards and will more effectively function as an essential transportation artery complimentary to Corridor H, an improved north-south corridor and other transportation initiatives. In order to accomplish this goal the Association must:
• Be representative of the entire region effected;
• Become cooperators, not competitors, on this issue;
• Maintain a non-partisan approach;
• Agree on the priorities involved in Rt. 50 improvement;
• Present a unified front to responsible government agencies;
• Actively inform the public about what must be done and how to do it;
• Assess Department of Transportation budget priorities and make certain this region is in full parity with the rest of the state;
• Celebrate our successes and remain positive in our approach.
Forming the Association
Hampshire, Mineral, Grant, Garrett, Preston, Taylor, Tucker, Barbour and Harrison County Commissions will be invited to form the core group and to ask their offices for economic development, public safety (Sheriff or 911 Director), Chamber of Commerce and tourism office to participate. Therefore, voting members of the Association will be representatives of the County Commission with a public safety official, economic development/planning, tourism and the Chamber of Commerce in each of the aforementioned counties participating. The public at large will be invited and encouraged to participate as ex-officio members.
Activities of the Association
Meetings of the Association will be held bi-monthly, with a rotating venue so that an even number of meetings are held in each of the membership regions. All meetings will be open to the public and representatives of the WV and MD Department of Highways will be urged to attend each meeting. Proceedings of each meeting will be reported to all constituencies in order to encourage a representative process.
Expected Outcome of the Association
It is expected that by presenting a unified front, a cooperative approach, a studied assessment and a successful public information program, the current unacceptable status of U.S. Rt. 50 will be transformed into a modern and safe roadway. To the extent that this is done, U.S. Rt. 50 will function more effectively as an essential regional link to economic development opportunities and promotion of tourism, thus enhancing the quality of life and future prospects for the entire region.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Monday, November 1, 2004
November 2004 Agenda
AGENDA
11-18-04
WELCOME – PRESTON
INTRODUCTIONS AND AGENDA APPROVAL
REVIEW OF
STATUS REPORT ON LETTERS OF UNDERSTANDING – STEVE BAKER
REVIEW OF LAST MEETING
REPORTING OF CURRENT EVENTS ALONG THE ROAD
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FUNDING AND GOV. RELATIONS – DEB CLATTERBUCK, GARY HOWELL, OTHERS
WV DOT UP-DATE – BILL WOODS, OTHERS
UP-DATE ON OTHER REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ISSUES – DAVID MOE
GENERAL DISCUSSION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEXT MEETING
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Garrett County Meeting Minutes
Rt. 50 ASSOCIATION MEETING
Penn Alps,
Garrett County Commissioner Dave Beard welcomed the group to his home
county and gave a quick verbal tour.
Introductions and Agenda
Wayne Spiggle as facilitator made the introductions and introduced the
agenda.
Minutes
The group approved the minutes from the
New Members
Spiggle led conversation about increasing the group to include Barbour
County, WV who has not had any representation until this point.
Naming of 2-state portion of Rt. 50
Naming of the 2-state portion of Rt. 50 was discussed extensively.
Northwestern Turnpike,
suggested. It was also noted that this group was not a democracy and
was ruled by consensus. Commissioner Dave Beard made a motion to table
this issue, Les Shoemaker seconded and the group agreed.
Scenic By-way Task Force
Deb Clatterbuck reported that the Scenic Byway Task Force had met on
July 14th and discussed the Federal Scenic Byways program. The most
significant benefit in being a Byway is the 80/20 match of funds from
the federal government. There are strict sign regulations such as been
brought to light by the George’s Creek Coal Heritage Trail. The Task
Force recommends tabling this issue until dual lane and alternate
routes can be reviewed which may leave portions of the original
roadbeds to be designated as Scenic By-ways.
The Task Force then discussed the need to lobby the politicians on
state ands federal levels to gain support for our project at this
crucial political time. The group decided to change the Scenic Byway
Task Force to the Rt. 50 Federal Liaison Committee to gather political
support for initiatives and future funding. Deb Clatterbuck will chair
this committee.
Rt. 50 Study
Discussion was led by Brian Carr, WVDOT, on the 3 layers of roadway
enhancements. Traffic dictates improvements; decisive factors are
accidents, passing problems, bridges, straightening curves, high volume
intersections and turn lanes. A 3-tier goal system in more successful.
Smaller projects like turning and passing lanes seem to be more
immediate. Mid-grade projects such as realignment of roadways and
bridges take more time and money. High level projects like 4-lane
roadways require the most planning.
Senator Jon Hunter and Taylor County DOT Larry Weaver pointed out that
building roadways does not always bring growth.
still hosts a 4-lane section that has not been developed. Grady
Bradfield suggested using existing road as 2-lane in one direction and
building a second parallel roadway for opposing traffic.
Brian Carr stated there was a need to gather info including roadway
classifications, arterial route priorities, design criteria, expected
level of service opportunities, effects of Corridor H, highway capacity
analysis, high hazard study, 20 years of traffic reports and the impact
on Economic Development along the route.
Dave Moe made a motion that the group support a long term goal for a
4-lane roadway that would meet or exceed the existing plan for the
multi-state area of
Bradfield seconded and it carried.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on
Adjournment
Wayne Spiggle adjourned the meeting at
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