The message echoing from the valleys of Grant and Hardy counties on Thursday was as clear and simple as oval blue bumper stickers handed out to Corridor H workshop and rally participants: "Finish It."
Hundreds gathered in the Potomac Highland cities to learn about the past, present and future and champion for the last Appalachian Development Highway in the state that needs completed.
A full day of events began at Petersburg when a slate of state leaders and representatives of West Virginia's congressional delegation explained why Corridor H will play a huge role in West Virginia, and even the nation's, economic future.
Delegate Bill Hartman, D-37th District, has been involved with Corridor H since its inception in 1965 and traveled with state Sen. Walt Helmick, D-15th District, to Washington, D.C., in 1988 to discuss the importance of the highway with U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va. Hartman and Helmick are as determined as ever to rally support at grassroots levels, just as they did more than 20 years ago to ensure jobs and prosperity for the region and state.
Throughout history, the success of regions have depended on transportation routes, Hartman explained. The areas that have seen completed sections of Corridor H are no different from that of ancient Rome or other civilizations, development and increases in tourism are already effecting Elkins, Moorefield and other points of interest along the routes, he said.
"We can't let this issue die, it's just too important to the entire region," Hartman commented. "As Corridor H progresses, there can be nothing but good that comes from it."
There's more than just speculation that Corridor H would bring a boost to the region, there's also data to back the projections. Dan Hodge, principal economist with HDR Decision Economics, has completed a study in conjunction with Cambridge Systematics and Economic Development Research Group, noting a complete Appalachian Development Highway System would create 80,500 jobs, $3.2 billion annually in increased wages for workers and $5 billion per year in increased regional economic activity by 2035 in the 13 states that comprise the area.
Hodge says the ADHS' benefits would exceed its costs more than three times. For every $1 spent to complete the entire system of Corridors, the national return would be $3, according to the research.
The study also concludes that the Corridors would provide the Appalachian region and the nation with important links to global trade; save travel time; fuel and non-fuel operating costs; and increased safety on the roadways.
Grant County Commission President Jim Cost has experienced the downfalls of having only twisting mountain roads for trucking companies to haul goods out of the state. Cost recalled expediting shipments for Allegheny Wood Products and truck drivers asking him for a better way out of the area than the treacherous strip of road between Moorefield and Wardensville. Because there was no other route, drivers told Cost they would never venture into the region again.
With a safer, four-lane highway, manufacturing products will be transported from the area, therefore providing jobs for future generations, Cost explained.
Economic development and a more efficient way to travel to the East Coast isn't the only reason the completion of Corridor H is a necessity. West Virginia Cabinet Secretary for Military Affairs and Public Safety Jim Spears stressed the importance of Corridor H as an evacuation route from the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Md., areas. Research conducted in cooperation with West Virginia University has shown that if a biological attack on the nation's capitol were to occur, many in the region would travel west. Corridor H would provide an easier way to gain access to an area away from a hazardous situation, Spears explained. Instead of slowing the progress of the road, Spears hopes to designate Corridor H as a National Defense Highway, which would enable funding and work to move quickly.
Finished portions and sections under construction of Corridor H have been made possible with state and federal funding, most of which was appropriated by Byrd. The senior senator from West Virginia was praised by those in attendance for his efforts and dedication to the project. Anne Barth, representing Byrd, told the Petersburg crowd Byrd is well and remains committed to finishing Corridor H.
To date, the sections of Corridor H have been environmentally friendly and the trend will continue, explained Charles Riling, with the West Virginia Division of Highways. Engineering plans have allowed trees and wetlands to remain part of the landscape near the roadway and even under bridges. Those working on the highway have actually improved some of the scenery and areas that resembled an uninhabitable wasteland, Riling said.
Helmick concluded the workshop by telling the group a completed road means better lives for West Virginians and asked for the support of and efforts of those who believe in the project. He credited those who have campaigned to finish the highway for the progress that has been made.
"You cannot do it individually," Helmick said. "The road, for many ... reasons needs to be completed, but it takes each and every one of you to make that commitment."
Helmick asked Corridor H supporters to make their voices heard to congressional representatives and Phyllis Cole with the Corridor H Coalition proposed a petition in favor of the road be sent to President Barack Obama.
"Life is a stage and we all have to play a part," Helmick commented. "The part you play in this issue will be one of the biggest parts you ever play in your life."
From Petersburg, the quest to raise awareness and rally for Corridor H's completion moved to the recently completed span over the South Branch of the Potomac River at Moorefield. Hundreds gathered on the bridge to witness the ribbon cutting and ground breaking ceremony celebrating the start of another 11 miles of the road between Moorefield and Foreman.
Eventually the long bridge will provide a passage for vehicles in route to Foreman, but Thursday it hosted rows of parked cars; Corridor H supporters; and school busses transporting the Petersburg High School Chorus, Junior ROTC and cheerleaders and the East Hardy High School Band and cheerleaders.
Between musical selections and applause, Barth; Mary Elizabeth Eckerson, representing U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd District; Larry Lemon on behalf of U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va.; West Virginia Department of Transportation Secretary Paul Mattox, Tom Smith, West Virginia division administrator of Federal Highway Administration; and Chief of Staff for Gov. Joe Manchin Larry Puccio explained their support of finishing Corridor H.
"The cutting of this ribbon today should be a warning for anyone foolish enough to say that Corridor H is a 'road to nowhere,'" Barth said on behalf of Byrd. "I say a road that goes somewhere cannot be a road to 'nowhere.'
"I am as ardent as ever in my intent to see the promise made by the federal government to the people of Appalachia is kept. The people have been waiting for this system for 45 years, which is far too long. Finish it."
Rockefeller too remains committed to Corridor H as it will "open up our Mountain State to more robust travel -and as a result, new growth and employment, exciting opportunities for our tourism industry and an overall stronger economy."
Capito agrees that Corridor H has and will bring development to Appalachia.
"This project has been held up long enough," Eckerson read. "It's time to see this project completed."
Hartman said a similar rally is being planned for Elkins in late October.
