Stone wants to lobby DOH for better roads

KINGWOOD — Preston County Commission President Samantha Stone suggests the county, schools, bus system and others who use the roads work together to lobby for better road maintenance.

Stone made the suggestion at Tuesday’s regular meeting, after Commissioner Dave Price asked if anyone had heard the State Division of Highway’s (DOH) plans for work this spring and summer.

“That’s what I’m working on,” Smith said. “I’m trying to get a list of what the needs are. We know there’s a lot of need. But I believe we need to present something we feel is important for this season.”

The DOH doubtless has a plan, Stone said, but she wants to ensure Aurora Pike, sections of U.S. 50 and other areas that need to be completed are addressed.

“I believe there are so many roads that we need to make certain are on that list for this paving season,” she said.

Stone has been driving roads that people frequently complain to her about, as well as others not addressed last year. And she is looking for allies to present a united front when meeting with the DOH.

“I’d like to look to some other transportation departments in the county,” she said, mentioning collaborating with Preston County Schools. Buckwheat Express that carries many senior citizens was also mentioned.

She would like to meet with representatives of those organizations, “prior to this meeting I would like to have with the DOH to see what the plan of action is,” Stone said.

Commissioner Dave Price said Mon Power linemen tell him of many road problems. He has also quoted volunteer firefighters in the past, when they experienced problems responding because of road problems.

It shouldn’t be necessary to call the DOH and report problems, Stone said, but with only 30 employees in the county, they don’t see all the problems as they arise.

“We are going to have road problems in a county this size. But if we can beef up, make a few changes to the action plan, we fight the issues we’ve come against,” she said.

The three commissioners reside in different parts of the county and, “really truly need to spearhead a good list, going into this meeting, of what we feel is the biggest complaints from the constituents in this county,” Stone said.

County Administrator Kathy Mace said she received a call from a woman who lives on Simmons Road, saying that people were driving into her field to avoid potholes. Mace advised her to call the DOH.

Smith said the DOH was working on Arden Peters Road Monday.

County resident Wes Wolfe said if something isn’t done on Cheat Mountain, the road will be lost where it is slipping away.

TWEET @DominionPostWV