THOMAS, West Virginia—A group of local individuals, businesses, and organizations concerned about the route Corridor H will take near Davis, Thomas and the Blackwater Canyon hosted a fundraising and informational event on Thursday, November 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Purple Fiddle in Thomas. Admission was free and open to the public. Approximately 50 people attended and proceeds from the event will benefit initiatives to support a northern route for Corridor H.
Maps and other information regarding Corridor H were available, as well as “Go North” stickers and signs. Guidance on submitting public comments to the West Virginia Department of Highways (DOH) by the December 12, 2022 deadline was also available. The event featured complimentary food and non-alcoholic drinks provided by the Purple Fiddle and music by the band Localmotive.
Those who are undecided about the highway route can learn more about the concerns of the group and the possibility of a northern route for the project at https://www.wvhighlands.org/highways/ and https://www.saveblackwater.org/corridor-h.
To date, 2,798 individuals have signed a Change.org petition in support of what the group considers a better route for Corridor H. Hundreds of local individuals and business owners also have signed petitions in favor of a northern route, and the Tucker County Chamber of Commerce recently issued a press release which indicates that of its 75 members, 43 completed surveys regarding the route and 28 voted in favor of a northern alternative. Nine supported the currently proposed DOH route, and five indicated a need for additional information. Following a Corridor H workshop hosted by the DOH in 2019, more than 80 percent of public comments to the state agency favored a northern route.
Saundra Goss, owner of a popular restaurant in Davis, reinforced the notion that efforts by the local group are not intended to stop the highway project. “We all understand this highway is a permanent addition, and we only want the choice of location to be the best possible placement for our communities,” Goss said.
Questions about the “Go North” campaign can be directed to Rachelle Davis at 304-642-8728 or to Nancy Luscombe at nancyluscombe@gmail.com.