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As property owners in Thomas, we have been trying to learn as much as we can about the pros and cons of the alternative routes of the planned Parsons-to-Davis section of Corridor H. Understanding both that there is a need for this section and also that its construction will inevitably bring lasting changes to the unique character of the area, we are interested in comparing the revised original alignment crossing the Blackwater Canyon (ROPA) with the proposed northern route (Blackwater Avoidance Alternative). Based on the arguments we have heard and read, we have found the Blackwater Avoidance idea more persuasive, but have wanted to understand the arguments from the ROPA side.
Reading Robbie Morris' piece in the Feb. 6 Inter-Mountain, "Analyzing Alternative Routes," left us more confused than ever about the advantages of the ROPA plan. Morris makes many statements that seem dubious to us. He offers no support for his characterization of the Blackwater Avoidance Alternative as "a longer, more expensive, destructive, and problematic route"; that it would "impact the Thomas water source, Thomas city park, and so much more"; or that it would require the loss of "multiple homes." Mr. Morris does not speak about the additional truck route that would have to be part of the ROPA version, which would add to the length, destructiveness, and problems of that alternative. Moreover, as far as we know, no final route for the northern Blackwater Avoidance Alternative has been agreed upon, and ROPA advocates are exerting a lot of effort to prevent any research that would prove or disprove claims like these.
Morris also fails to provide any evidence for his pronouncement that the proposed single arch bridge over the Blackwater Canyon would ensure that "ground disturbance under the bridge is minimal." Since the land under this area is riddled with a honeycomb of acid-filled old mine passageways, we would very much like to see Mr. Morris provide evidence for that assertion. We would also like to see the results of the "tests, drone flights, sound studies, etc." that he cites as basis for the claim that Corridor H could not be seen and heard from Blackwater Falls.
We have spoken to a lot of people but have not heard anyone say that their aim is to stop the road. While we are sympathetic to the impatience that many people feel at the pace at which the project is proceeding, we feel that jumping to implement a bad plan is likely to take more money and time in the long run. Here, the stakes are very high. A lot of damage can be done to West Virginia's "crown jewel" if this is not done right.
Tom and Sadie Hammack
Thomas