The Federal Highway Administration and West Virginia Division of Highways are currently accepting public comment on the Notice of Intent to prepare a new environmental impact statement on the Parsons to Davis section of Corridor H. This comment period ends on Wednesday, March 27.

This is a critical opportunity to have your voice heard and express your concerns on this section of Corridor H. This review will evaluate the R-ROPA (Refined Original Preferred Alternative Route) and a northern route (Blackwater Avoidance Alternative-2).

Here are a few suggestions for your comments:

Highway officials should complete a thorough and equal environmental review of the R-ROPA and BAA-2 and select a route that ensures the least impact on the environmentally sensitive and unique areas of the West Virginia Highlands:

• Protect the small-town atmosphere and nature-based way of life in Davis and Thomas.
• Construct a highway that is compatible with and supportive of Tucker County’s growing outdoor recreation economy.
• Integrate wildlife corridors into highway construction to preserve biodiversity, mitigate habitat fragmentation, and reduce the likelihood of deer vehicle collisions.
• Preserve the “greenway” between Thomas and Davis.
• Ensure that the northern route is evaluated completely and fairly.
• Protect sites of cultural significance and avoid the Blackwater Industrial Complex.
• Avoid impacts to public lands in the Monongahela National Forest—including Big Run Bog and Olson Fire Tower.
• Reduce impacts on sensitive, high-quality trout streams and their wetlands and watersheds.
• Protect public drinking water supply.
• Study the impacts of construction on extensive underground mine workings and the potential for acid mine drainage.
• Incorporate impacts of a changing climate to ensure highway infrastructure can withstand future challenges and avoid exacerbating habitat loss, species displacement, and water pollution.
• Minimize impacts on endangered and threatened species such as the Virginia Big-Eared Bat, Indiana Bat, Tricolored Bat, Northern-Long Eared Bat, Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Cheat Mountain Salamander, and the West Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel.
• Prioritize a commitment to transparency and information sharing with the public.

How to submit comments:

1. Comments can be made online here.
2. Via US Mail to: FHWA West Virginia Division, 300 Virginia Street East, Suite 7400, Charleston, West Virginia 25301

More resources:
Parsons to Davis Interactive Map: Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance
Parsons to Davis Information Page: Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance
Corridor H Highway: West Virginia Highlands Conservancy
Go North Corridor H Alliance

Thank you for your advocacy on this important issue. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Cover photo by Frank Gebhard.