By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
DAVIS – A ribbon cutting Thursday official opened Corridor H from Wardensville to Davis. The stretch of highway celebrates the completion of 102 miles of the approximately 132 miles of Corridor H. Officials at the ceremony include Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, Secretary of Transportation Paul Mattox, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, D-WV, representatives from U.S. Senator Shelley More Capito’s Office, representatives from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Federal Highway Administration, and state and local officials.
Manchin said he wanted to thank Governor Tomblin for keeping the completion of Corridor H as a high priority.
“This dream started 55 years ago,” Manchin said. “It was hatched under John Kennedy in 1960 during his election. He saw Appalachian and what was done and what needed to be done. That was infrastructure. We have to go to the next level now.”
Manchin said most people would think it should be done by now.
“We can’t let it stop now, we need to finish it,” Manchin said. “We have to get to Parsons.”
Manchin said Tucker County is one of the least connected areas that really needs to be upgraded.
“When you have this type of a beautiful venue and you have the recreation and tourism, this should be where the money is spent. This should be where our infrastructure is best connected for broadband and high speed,” Manchin said. “The private sector will not come if they don’t think there is a marketable return.”
Manchin said they have good contractors in West Virginia doing wonderful jobs.
Tomblin said the ribbon cutting represents a collaborative effort among federal, state and local partners.
“I’m grateful for everyone’s continued support and commitment to the completion of this milestone project,” Tomblin said. “I’m confident the continued progress on Corridor H will make a lasting impact for the people of Tucker, Grant, Hardy and surrounding counties – as well as our entire state – and provide businesses and industries in West Virginia with the solid infrastructure they need to operate and expand.”
Diane Hinkle, Tucker County Commissioner, said Corridor H is a state of the art highway coming into a one of a kind county.
“Corridor H is critical infrastructure that we need for economic development,” Hinkle said. “We are so blessed. I have been waiting for this day for 40 years. It’s a big day for Tucker County. Now, we just need to finish it. We have to get it into Parsons and Kerens.”
Tucker County Commission President Lowell Moore said that the day represents another great day for Tucker County.
“I want to see this completed for the state, to see tourists come and visit our area,” Moore said. “My concern is for the first responders because until it is finished, it puts them in a bad situation. I want to see this completed.”
Tucker County Commissioner Patrick Darlington said it is another great day for Tucker County.
“With this section of Corridor H, the road is open up into Davis which is a great thing,” Darlington said. “Hopefully, this will bolster and increase our tourism industry and make it more accessible for residents and those wanting to visit Tucker County.”
Darlington said he hopes folks travel to Tucker County and experience all the great things Tucker County has to offer.
“I am glad this section is open. Now we can start on the other end in Kerens and get it to come together,” Darlington said. “The bid has been awarded and they are going to begin timbering. Construction should start around April 2017. That part will stretch from Kerens to Moore Station Road.”
