Sen. Barnes: Redirect ARRA funds to Corridor
By CARRA HIGGINS, Staff WriterNow that the White House administration wants to eliminate the nearly $10 million earmarked for Corridor H, original federal stimulus funding should be returned to Corridor H and two other projects, says state Sen. Clark Barnes, R-15th District.
Approximately $22 million of funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was designated for portions of Corridor H that were "shovel ready."
Because of U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd's $9.5 million earmark and $13 million to $15 million the state had already obligated to Corridor H, the $22 million in stimulus funding was re-directed to the Market Street Bridge at Weirton and paving projects throughout the state, Barnes explained.
The funding was transferred because of Senate Bill 403, which states: "It is the intent of the Legislature to capture and match all federal funds available for expenditures on the Appalachian Highway System at the earliest possible time. Therefore, should amounts in excess of those appropriated be required for the purposes of Appalachian programs, funds in excess of the amount appropriated may be made available upon recommendation of the commissioner and approval of the governor. Further, for the purpose of Appalachian programs, funds appropriated to line items may be transferred to other line items upon recommendation of the commissioner and approval of the governor."
Barnes said the Legislature's original intent was to ensure the stimulus funding was directed to Corridor H, Route 9 and Route 35. It will be up to Gov. Joe Manchin, the Secretary of Transportation and Commissioner of Highways as to whether the stimulus money will be returned to Corridor H.
Monday, Barnes discussed the issue with Commissioner of Highways Danny Ellis, Planning Director Rob Pennington and Manchin's legislative director Jim Pitrolo. He said he wanted to make sure the men knew the Legislature's intention of the bill and ensure he had the correct information about the funding.
"It is clear that the Legislature's intent is to place our highest priority on the completion of our Corridor system and that we have given the authority to the Department of Transportation to move funds and accounts accordingly," Barnes said. "I trust that they will fulfill the wishes of the Legislature.
Barnes said no current, ongoing Corridor H projects will be affected by the funding decisions.
Barnes said he plans to discuss the issue with Sen. Walt Helmick, D-15th District, and write a letter to Manchin reminding him about the Legislature's intention.
He also thinks Corridor H will be discussed by the Legislature when members go back to Charleston at the end of the month.
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GRizzly56
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05-12-09 10:32 PM
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CUT THE RED TAPE GIVE US OUR $$$ BUILD THIS HIGHWAY STOP WINDMILLS AND WORTHLESS POWER LINES, WE DON'T GET ANY$$$ FROM THEM M OR ANY POWER
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