WASHINGTON (WV News) — Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., and U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg requesting swift approval of the Interchange Justification Report for the proposed Harmony Grove Interchange in Morgantown.
“For too long, West Virginia has ranked last in the country due to aging roads and bridges, which has hurt our ability to be competitive in attracting new businesses, good jobs and more opportunity to the state,” McKinley said in the letter. “The Harmony Grove Interchange is one example of how West Virginia can move forward and support new and expanding businesses and strengthen future economic development."
Per the state Department of Transportation website, this project consists of providing a new interchange on I-79 approximately halfway between Exit 152 — U.S. 19 Westover/Morgantown (Granville) and I-79, Exit 155 — W.Va. 7 West Virginia University (Star City/Osage/WVU Football Stadium).
"The proposed project will tie the interchange into two new frontage roads, connecting a relocated County Route 46/3 to the west and an extension of University Town Centre Drive to the east of I-79 including the new proposed WVU Athletic Facilities," according to the site description. "This meeting complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requirements."
This project will benefit the Morgantown Industrial Park, McKinley said, adding that it will "connect West Virginia to the rest of the country, and bring good jobs and opportunities to the region.”
Capito said Morgantown and other communities along the I-79 corridor have seen significant growth in past years.
"The Harmony Grove Interchange is necessary to facilitate more economic expansion and meet truck and passenger vehicle capacity needs," Capito said in the letter. "Approval of this IJR is critical to ensuring the continued prosperity of the Morgantown area and helping it meet its economic potential."
Manchin said that in order to ensure West Virginia’s continued economic growth and job creation, upgrading and improving infrastructure across the state must be a priority.
"Last year, I was proud to help secure funding for a waterline extension through the Economic Development Administration to spur new investment at the Morgantown Industrial Park," Manchin said. "With increased traffic and investment at the site, the proposed Harmony Grove Interchange is great news for Morgantown and the region."