Residents request to build bridge gets commissioners agreement

KINGWOOD — Preston Commissioners agreed to write a letter supporting Tunnelton area residents’ request for a bridge to replace the underpass.
Lana Rhodes of the South Preston Neighborhood Watch said more than 1,000 people have signed a petition, asking that a bridge be constructed between South Street and W.Va. 26 to connect the two side of town.
As previously reported, the underpass, owned by CSX, takes pedestrian and car traffic under the railroad tracks. It is the most direct connection between the two sides of Tunnelton. Mariann Plum said when it floods, the Tunnelton Volunteer Fire Department has to take a detour that costs it response time.
The underpass is so rough that children are getting bumps and bruises during bus rides through the underpass, Plum said. It is also only large enough for two small vehicles to pass inside.
“We are not wanting anything destroyed; we are not bashing CSX,” she stressed. They also realize that getting the project financed could take years.
“I think that we all know it’s an issue,” Commission President Craig Jennings said. “It’s just how willing are they to fix it?”
The women said the petition will be sent to the area’s state delegates and senators, U.S. senators and congressman, the governor and State Department of Transportation secretary. Commissioners agreed to write a letter of support.
Also Monday, commissioners:
Began canvassing the ballots from last week’s election. The canvass will continue today, if necessary.
Approved a payment of $8,900 to Preston County Schools to cover drug awareness training for some teachers this fall. The training is part of the commission’s efforts to provide drug education in county elementary and middle schools.
Said they want to contact DIRECTV to find out when it will begin offering Clarksburg stations to all customers in Preston County. A Federal Communications Commission ruling in February ordered satellite TV providers to offer the stations. DISH has begun providing WDTV, WBOY and WVFX to its customers.
Approved hiring Felix Thorn immediately as a 911 dispatcher for 36-40 hours per week at $13 per hour. Dispatcher Carrie Pratt was promoted from irregular part-time to regular part-time. Extensive background checks are done on all applicants, 911/Emergency Management Director Duane Hamilton said.
Declared May 20-26 Community Educational Outreach Service (CEO) Week.