The Hardy County Rural Development Authority met in regular session on Thursday, February 27, 2025. In attendance were Mallie Combs, executive director; members Fred Brooks, Linda Burgess, Jennifer Carr-Kimble, Tim Cullers, Harold Michael, Elwood Williams, Robert Williams; County Commissioners Dave Workman, and Steve Schetrom; County Commission staff Wendy Branson, and Peggy Moomaw; RDA executive secretary Rita Smith, and staff and Peggy Thorne.
The meeting began with prayer.
The Corridor H Commission met in Charleston on February 25th to discuss progress on the roadway. Much of the roadwork on the 10.6 mile section that stretches from Kerens to Parsons is complete. However, the construction on the bridge over Hendricks Creek between along that stretch is partially completed with girders in place a little over halfway across the span. Work on the bridge was delayed for two years when the State Division of Highways filed a lawsuit against contractor Kokosing concerning the instability of one pier supporting the bridge. Following lengthy remediation, construction continued. Former House Finance Chair and Hardy County Commissioner Harold Michael gave some historical background on Corridor H. He said that the original plan called for the highway to be routed through Moorefield then to Petersburg, on to the Seneca Rocks area before ending up in Elkins. However, it was determined that the four-lane could not pass through a National Forest unless other options were unavailable. That changed the route to pretty much where it is today. Originally, the Corridor was to have an exit at Old Fields. Officials later decided it would be more economically beneficial for the off ramp to be built in Moorefield. Mr. Michaels pointed out that much was learned from the mistake that Huntington made in wanting I-64 built outside of town limits. Conversely, Charleston’s economy grew tremendously by allowing the interstate to run through the middle of city limits.
Mr. Michael said that another highway authority called the 219/220 Group was formed out of the Corridor H plan. Both roadways are primary connectors to northern interstates. Major enhancements in Pennsylvania and Maryland have been successfully finalized. He said that improvements to Route 220 in West Virginia will probably be made as well.
Report from the Executive Director
I am happy to report that the final draw down for the American Woodmark (AWC) Connector Road project has been received and the contractor along with the engineer have been paid. This will close out the project. The RDA is still waiting to hear from the West Virginia Economic Development Administration regarding the lease that they have AWC. Once that is released, we will move forward with the RDA having ownership. The Christopher Peacock project looks to be complete. This is beneficial for the Wardensville area. Matt Funk and Gary Arbaugh completed a boundary adjustment to resolve a property dispute. A building constructed by Mr. Arbaugh encroached on land sold to Mr. Funk.
We are completing a new survey for the land that is being sold to Eastern Community and Technical College as previously approved. The surveyor has been on site and the road conveyance will be included in the new survey. The Mettler Company continues to move forward with its expansion at the old AWC site south of Moorefield. Jim Linsenmyer is leaving the West Virginia Department of Economic Development (WVDED). He has been a good support person in serving the Greater Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Mr.
Linsenmyer was named as the new University of Charleston director of Innovation. WVDED is currently looking to fill the vacancy.
The Hardy County Commission on Aging (HCCA) has requested a lease increase from the Wellness Center. Presently, the Wellness Center does not pay rent but provides maintenance on the section of the building that they occupy. The request proposes that the center pay rent and continue to provide for maintenance. The Wellness Center is a project of the Hardy County Commission and the HCCA to provide health services to senior citizens, the community, and industry employees. The Commission is supportive of the Center to continue operating and providing its intended services. Many people from Hardy County and adjacent counties use the pool for medical needs. The Commission pays for courthouse staff to have use of the facility at no cost.
The auditor completing the RDA 2024 fiscal year audit has been on site. We will need to have a single audit next year as the office is receiving federal funds. The new Hardy County Health Department building is now occupied. The final work payment has not been processed yet. The RDA has been in touch with United States Senator Shelley Moore-Capito’s office regarding funding that has been committed to the Housing and Urban Development Authority (HUD) CARES program for the Crites Property Business Park (north of Moorefield on Corridor H). Potesta, a professional engineering and environmental consulting service, has been working with HUD representatives to complete the required environmental work.
The Hardwood Alliance is updating its website and directory. One change includes the purchase of the Grant County Mulch Plant in Baker by Old Castle.
Old Business – None
New Business – None
With all agenda items being addressed, a motion and second to adjourn the meeting was passed. The next RDA meeting will be held on Thursday, March 27th beginning at 10:30 a.m.
