HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 53
(By Delegates Stemple and Ashley)
[Introduced April 3, 2001; referred to the
Committee on Rules.]
Requesting the West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division
of Highways to conduct a study of the feasibility of upgrading
or rerouting a portion of U.S. Routes 33/119, from Spencer to
their intersection with West Virginia Route 16, and of West
Virginia Route 16 from said intersection to the Interstate 79
interchange at Big Otter, to a modern highway.
Whereas, U.S. Route 33/119 from Spencer eastward through
Arnoldsburg, and West Virginia Route 16 from its intersection with
U.S. Route 33/119 to the Interstate 79 interchange serve as primary
arteries of transportation for the citizens and businesses of Roane
County and Calhoun County; and
Whereas, Interstate 79 is the main arterial highway connecting
north-central West Virginia with the Kanawha Valley and points
south; and
Whereas, The affected sections of said highways are narrow,
curvy and undulating, portions of which have not been significantly redesigned or improved since prior to World War II, do not meet
standards for modern, safe and efficient highway design, are
unsuited for the demands of modern traffic, and constitute a hazard
for motorists and pedestrians; and
Whereas, Heavy truck traffic is increasing over said highways,
intensifying the hazards to motorists who depend upon these routes;
and
Whereas, Upgrading said sections of highway would greatly
increase the safety and convenience of the citizens of Roane and
Calhoun Counties as well as being conducive to economic development
in the counties of Roane, Calhoun and Clay which suffer from some
of the highest rates of unemployment in the state; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division
of Highways is hereby requested to conduct a study of the
feasibility of upgrading or rerouting a portion of U.S. Routes
33/119, from Spencer to their intersection with West Virginia Route
16, and of West Virginia Route 16 from said intersection to the
Interstate 79 interchange at Big Otter, to a modern highway.
Further Resolved, That the West Virginia Department of
Transportation, Division of Highways report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2002, on its findings, conclusions and
recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary
to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft legislation be paid from
legislative appropriations to the West Virginia Department of
Transportation, Division of Highways.