CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Monongalia County delegate who voted to authorize the October 7 road bond referendum said she’s having second thoughts on voting ‘yes.’
Cindy Frich (R – Monongalia, 51) sent out a letter to residents in the Bakers Ridge area, suggesting that one of the projects that will be funded by the road bond would devalue residential property in the neighborhood. She questioned Department of Transportation Secretary Tom Smith about the impact of what’s being termed “West Run Expressway” during interim meetings Monday.
“If any environmental impact assessment or an environmental impact statement is required, then you go through a detailed study of the effects of that project, the impacts of that project, and try to pick the project that’s best for the public,” Department of Transportation Secretary Tom Smith said. “That’s a very open and transparent process, and that’s one that would be used up in Morgantown.”
Smith said the goal is to alleviate traffic issues in what has become one of the state’s most budding local economies.
“The idea is to get up to the north of Star City and try to provide a new interchange there and provide an outlet for traffic,” Smith said. “That is what we think that project will look like, and we’re rushing full speed ahead to try to get a good project that helps alleviate the terrific congestion that you have in Morgantown.”
Frich also questioned Smith over what she perceived as a community “not being told about this project.” That characterization has been disputed locally.
“I’m sure they do,” Smith said. “I’m sure they know of the congestion and the fact that the Highway Department is working to try and provide relief.”
Smith said alleviating the traffic and infrastructure issues in Monongalia County is challenging due to the uniqueness of the area’s expanding economy.
“One of the reasons it can’t maintain the roads is because we can’t pay the workers enough and keep workers employed there,” Smith said.
