| By Bob Weaver
Seeking support for the long proposed Little Kanawha Parkway, a delegation of
authority members traveled to Washington Thursday to try and place the project on
the front burner. Senator Robert C. Byrd said there is no money available for major
highway construction in West Virginia until 2003, despite announcements made by
the Underwood administration. The Little Kanawha Parkway is not on the top five
expressway list.
Calhoun's L-K Parkway Authority member Danny Law met with the representatives, in
addition to Reta Kight from Gilmer, Delegate Brent Boggs from Braxton, Greg Smith
from Gilmer and Jack Stewart from Wood.
Reta Kight, Chairperson of the Parkway Authority, said the delegation was able to
impress upon the Congressional representatives the importance of developing the
road through central West Virginia. "The members of the delegation who represent
the five counties stressed that in order to grow... it is vital to have improved access,"
Kight said.
(L t0 R) Jack Stewart, Wood County, Danny Law, Calhoun County, Congressman
Mollohan, Reta Kight, Gilmer County and Delegate Brent Boggs, Braxton County
Danny Law and Senator Robert C. Byrd
Chairman of Parkway Authority, Reta Kight presents plaque to Senator
Byrd
She said the members all agree this can be accomplished by developing a four-lane
highway from I-79 to I-77.
Although the Congressional delegation expressed their support for the project that
would benefit 123,000 residents of the five county area, it appeared imperative that
Governor Wise and Secretary VanKirk communicate the Parkway is high priority.
"When the priority is set and the state commitment for funding is met, assurances
were made that strong support would be given," said Kight. She expressed her
appreciation to Senators Byrd and Rockefeller and Congressman Mollohan for
meeting with the group.
Kight said the group is seeking to have a meeting with Governor Wise.
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