GARY, W.Va. – Today, Gov. Patrick Morrisey joined local partners in announcing the completion of a new access road for residents of a small neighborhood along the Tug Fork River in McDowell County. The project restores safe and reliable access to the community on Sunburst Drive after flooding in February destroyed the private bridge that once served as the neighborhood’s only entry point.
After it was determined that the bridge was not state-owned and therefore not eligible to be repaired with state funds, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) partnered with local government and several private businesses to construct an alternate route into the community. The project included nearly a quarter mile of new road across a steep slope and upgrades to an existing roadway.
“This is a great example of West Virginians pulling together to solve a problem,” said Governor Morrisey. “State and local officials worked side-by-side with our coal and industry partners to make sure these families once again have a safe, reliable way to get in and out of their neighborhood. I want to thank everyone who stepped up to make this happen.”
The West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) also stepped in to help facilitate the donation of materials for local volunteers to utilize in the construction and improvement of the access road. Private companies including Taishan Resources, Baystar Coal Company, West Virginia Paving, and Southern Minerals provided equipment, labor, and materials. Cleveland Cliffs and Pocahontas Land provided the right of way to proceed on the project. Taishan Resources cleared debris and removed the remnants of the old bridge from the river. Baystar Coal Company purchased and hauled 365 tons of gravel, provided heavy equipment, and assisted in clearing debris.
The McDowell County Commission was instrumental in the completion of the road, coordinating the contribution of an excavator, truck, and crews to spread gravel and 90 tons of asphalt millings, while McDowell County Emergency Management and Norfolk Southern Railroad provided additional coordination and support.
“This project was truly a team effort and a testament to the work that can be accomplished when local, state, and private partners come together,” said McDowell County Commissioner Cecil Patterson. “Everyone rolled up their sleeves to get the job done and we are proud to have played a role in ensuring the safety of our neighbors on Sunburst Drive.”
In addition to the new access road, state agencies have carried out extensive recovery efforts in McDowell County following the February flood, to date:
- DOH allocated an estimated $19 million in 184 road and infrastructure repairs.
- The West Virginia National Guard contributed 6,960 hours of manpower to complete four projects valued at $780,000, providing rapid on-the-ground support.
- The West Virginia Conservation Agency completed 15 stream restoration and stabilization projects with a combined value of $332,000.
- WVDEP provided 773 hours of work for site assessment and coordination with contractors on five remediation projects, representing $124,000 in agency resources.
Altogether, these agencies have completed 208 projects, totaling more than 63,000 hours of work and $20.3 million in state resources, labor, and equipment to help restore safety and stability in McDowell County.