Urging the Commissioner of Highways to prioritize completion of I-73, the King Coal Highway
Impact
The resolution is positioned as a means to facilitate economic opportunities in counties such as Wayne, Mingo, McDowell, Mercer, and Wyoming. By promoting the construction of I-73, HCR78 aims to alleviate transportation challenges that have detrimental impacts on local economies. The presence of reliable road infrastructure can significantly aid in both everyday commuting and crisis management, benefitting citizens and emergency service providers alike during ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 78 (HCR78) emphasizes the urgent need for the completion of the I-73 Highway, also known as the King Coal Highway, particularly in the southern coalfield counties of West Virginia. This resolution urges the Division of Highways to prioritize this project, highlighting its significance for regional economic development and efficient transportation. The highway's completion is seen as vital for enhancing connectivity and enabling effective emergency response, especially during hazardous events such as flooding, which have severely affected the region's inhabitants.
Sentiment
Support for HCR78 is likely to arise from various stakeholders including local government officials and residents who recognize the highway's potential to drive local economic growth. However, there are also concerns regarding funding and resource allocation, suggesting that while there is broad consensus on the need for infrastructure improvement, there might be contention surrounding the means of achieving it. The resolution's overall sentiment appears to reflect a collective acknowledgment of the pressing need for robust transportation solutions in the affected areas.
Contention
While the resolution advocates for the prioritization of I-73's completion, it reflects underlying tensions related to resource distribution in infrastructure projects. The proposed urgency may clash with competing priorities within the state's budget and planning processes. Thus, while HCR78 itself is non-binding, its implications can fuel discussions about the state's infrastructure priorities, funding strategies, and the potential need for balancing various regional interests.
Urging that the Commissioner of Highways designate the completion of the four lane highway from Prichard, West Virginia, to Williamson, West Virginia, to be a high priority project.
Requesting the Division of Highways to place at least 10 additional signs along highways entering West Virginia honoring fallen veterans and Gold Star Families.