By Jean Braithwaite
tribune correspondent
KEYSER — The Mineral County Development Authority agreed on Tuesday morning to show support for the North/South Appalachian Highway project by working with other county agencies to promote the completion of the road system with the potential to bring an economic advantage to the area.
Mona Ridder, executive director of the Development Authority, stated, “We have an interest in this project for economic development.” Part of the project, she added, includes the connection of U.S. Route 220 South from Interstate 68 to Corridor H.
Pointing out this particular project “has been on the table for years,” Ridder said the Tier I environmental impact study will be complete within the next year, using $2 million of federal funding.
“Then a lobby will begin to call for a Tier II study,” she said, pointing out the necessity of the vital second study.
Ridder also cited that Allegany County Commission and that county’s planning agency, along with Somerset County, Pa., Commission and Mineral County Commission, have signed resolutions to show unity for the North/South Appalachian Project.
In other business of the Development Authority, Rick Linthicum, president of the agency, announced preliminary specifications for the installation of the concrete flooring for the shell building located in the Fort Ashby Business and Technology Park has been issued., and the bidding procedure will begin.
“We must move on with this,” Linthicum said, telling about the importance of the completed floor to draw prospective customers to the park.
He also noted Nov. 13 is the date set for the opening of bids for review purposes.
Landscaping at the Fort Ashby Park was also discussed, and Ridder stated that remaining grant funding from the USDA will be implemented to add greenery to the area of the entrance sign.
The next meeting of the MC Development Authority is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 8:30 a.m., in the conference room, of Grand Central Business Center.
The Development Authority may be reached at 304-788-2233.
