Repaving project postponed by state

West Virginia Division of Highways has once again postponed the repaving of Wilkes Street between Fairfax Street and Route 9 west. Work was originally scheduled to start on the street in mid-July, but was delayed and rescheduled for the beginning of next year.

In mid-September, Mayor Susan Webster was told by Highway Superintendent John Coleman that the project would be completed by April 30, 2008. Webster had asked the DOH to schedule a meeting with the town and Wilkes Street residents to discuss the project.

But in a letter received by the town on September 26 from DOH District Engineer Robert Amtower, Webster was informed the project had not been awarded to the contractor.

The letter stated in part that the "project has been sent back for some design revisions to lower the cost, and is on tap to be advertised again in the near future."

Webster expressed her disappointment at the October 2 council meeting and wondered if the delay would have an adverse affect on the Streetscape project.

"We need to send a strong letter to the state. It sounds like they are putting us on the back burner again," said Councilman Scott Merki. Merki suggested that a meeting be set up between the council and the DOH.

Councilman Kenny Easton suggested that any letter be copied to Representative Daryl Cowles to alert him of the town's issues.

Webster said she would copy the letter to all state representatives and legislators for the area and agreed to set up a meeting with the DOH.