KINGWOOD — The Preston County Commission is asking the State Division of Highways (DOH) to provide copies of projected road work discussed during a meeting Tuesday.
During the online meeting, DOH officials put information on proposed road projects on the shared screen. When commissioners requested a copy, Deputy State Highways Engineer of Operations Darby Clayton balked.
“We will summarize everything we presented here and give you a summarized version of what we’ve got, so there’s no confusion. I don’t want to give you that first paving list that [Design Engineer] Aaron [Stevens] showed you that showed paving projects in 2025 and you guys hold us to that and funding level or something changes and then we’re liars for not making that happen,” Clayton said.
There was also a list of roads provided by the commission which the DOH marked with what’s planned and what has been done.
Clayton said a list of roads that are to be tarred and chipped or reclaimed this year will be provided.
County Administrator Kathy Mace said everyone has short and long-range plans. “I just think that’s helpful information so if anyone calls on any of these [roads] then I guess we could say those are future projects, rather than in a year specific.”
Another DOH official said the list could be adjusted, with no year shown for the work to happen, “but I don’t think we need to give you that projected year because if 2025 comes … and we don’t do it, we don’t want to be held to that.”
“I understand that,” Mace said, “but is it fair to say that these are future projects within a span of time?”
Mace sent an email to the DOH after the meeting, requesting the information, which she and commissioners regard as public record.
“We’re doing the best we can with what we have,” Preston County Supervisor Blain Bowmar said.
Commissioner Don Smith said Wednesday that he understood not all plans proceed on schedule. “But at least if people know ‘Hey, they’re planning on coming out and fixing Road X,’ they have some feeling that they’re going to get to it.”
Smith said “it’s always good to communicate with them to see where things are going. I do wish they would put the information out a little more regularly instead of us,” having to request it.
Smith said he plans to continue working with legislators to find an additional funding source for the DOH.
Commissioner Dave Price said Wednesday he was waiting on the list. “So I can actually go through it … to see just what the plan is.” For example, he was disappointed on news the Aurora Pike will be paved over a five-year period.
“I want to see the list, but they’re so far behind, we’re no better off than we were before,” Price said. He doesn’t blame the local or district DOH people for that.
“It goes to the top,” Price said. “They need more help. They’ve always said they need more help.” Changes need to be made in Charleston so DOH jobs attract and keep good workers, Price said.
And he understands that plans can change, Price said, “but people are so frustrated by the years and years of issues” that the county and district DOH can’t control.
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