Interim sessions scheduled next month at Bridgeport Conference Center
The Exponent Telegram
Thursday, August 21, 2008
By John G. Miller, Managing Editor
Clarksburg – Local lawmakers hope to use the upcoming legislative interims in Harrison County as a way to expand current successful projects and develop new ones.
“It’s a significant opportunity for other legislators to see our area, the positive things we’re doing and ones that aren’t so positive that we might be able to help,” said Del. Sam Cann, D-Harrison.
While many of the Sept. 7-9 sessions will be held at the Bridgeport Conference Center, a number of the committees plan visits to a variety of locations, said House Speaker Pro Tem Ron Fragale, D-Harrison.
“This is one of the main areas of the state showing development growth,” Fragale said. “This will showcase Harrison County and North Central West Virginia and the many things that have been accomplished.”
Among the definite stops will be the FBI fingerprint center and North Central West Virginia Airport on Sept. 8 and the Clarksburg parking facility on Sept. 7. Evening receptions are planned at the parking facility and airport.
Lawmakers also are expected to take tours of ongoing projects at the new United Hospital Center site, White Oaks and Charles Pointe, the latter two examples of successful tax increment financing projects.
Other probable stops include Health Access in Clarksburg, Susan Dew Hoff Clinic in West Milford, Lambert’s Winery in Lewis County, Robert C. Byrd Institute in Bridgeport and Mountaineer Middle School in Clarksburg.
There also has been some discussion about having lawmakers visit the current United Hospital Center site in Clarksburg, the VA Medical Center and the state-run Veterans’ Nursing Home.
Clarksburg officials are also hoping to have some committee members travel on Chestnut Street, which is in desperate need of major repairs.
Del. Tim Miley, D-Harrison, said the interims will show visiting lawmakers the positive image of the county and also will bring the government to the people it serves.
“Not too many take the trip to Charleston to see a legislative session,” Miley said. “This is an opportunity for local citizens to see their lawmakers at work.”
While committees will take time to visit local projects, some also will be hearing from a number of experts and concerned citizens on topics that could lead to proposed legislation during the 2009 legislative session, Miley said.
Local officials are excited about the visit, which is expected to bring 300-400 people to the area.
Harrison County Chamber of Commerce President Kathy Wagner is helping to organize some aspects of the event. She said the response from area businesses has been positive and the visit seems a natural fit since the area is enjoying strong economic development.
“Legislators can see some of our best practices and put them to use elsewhere,” Wagner said.
Clarksburg City Manager Martin Howe said it will be productive to have “state decision makers see how we utilized some of the funding they’ve provided in the past.”
Bridgeport Mayor Jim Christie said the goal is to showcase “the whole area of Harrison County.”
“From the parking facility in Clarksburg, where they took a blighted area and made something nice, to United Hospital, White Oaks, Charles Pointe and the airport to show the activity taking place in one of the top business areas in the state.
“It’s easy to say we’re doing this or that, but to be able to show people first-hand is a valuable opportunity,” Christie said. “Sometimes we don’t even realize all that we have going.”