Brooke County supports energy corridor

Brooke County commissioners became the first in West Virginia to support a proposed energy and manufacturing corridor stretching from Morgantown to Caldwell, Ohio. Bob Miller Jr. , executive director of the West Virginia Route 2/I68 Authority, emphasized the need for infrastructure investment to promote growth in the energy and manufacturing sectors, particularly plastics. Miller reported that similar projects had been discussed over decades, with renewed interest during Donald Trump's presidency. He noted that federal support waned during the Biden administration, but a teleconference with federal officials has already occurred.

The authority seeks backing from state governors Mike DeWine and Patrick Morrisey to advance the project. Commission President A. J. Thomas suggested engaging the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission for further outreach. The corridor could significantly impact local economic development by attracting new businesses.

In other business, commissioners approved various administrative items, including project funding and board appointments.