Letter to the Editor: More development support needed
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It seems like all Wood County gets are announcements. We don't get any shovels turning over dirt! Evidently, we all need to do more for Wood County to obtain new development.
It started a few years ago when there was supposed to be a Brazilian company going to build a cracker plant where previously the Marbon or other named plant operated. All we have seen is the plant demolished including the office or research building.
Recently, we heard that a hydrogen hub was coming. To date, we have seen nothing happening. I believe there are many things that we need to do.
I believe everyone needs to ask all of our representatives what they have done to help Wood County get new development. We also need to ask every candidate no matter what the political party, what they will do or are proposing to do to help Wood County.
I read that Kanawha, Putnam, and Cabell counties have organized to promote the area along Interstate 64. I believe the County Commission of Wood County along with Jackson, Mason, and Cabell county commissions likewise need to organize for promotional purposes as well as promoting the improvement of Route 2.
I also believe the Wood County Commission needs to possibly expand and further develop the Industrial Park. Although I don't know the boundaries of the Park, it appears to me to be almost, if not entirely fully developed. The Commission also should look at other areas and promote their development.
It is my understanding that the Chamber of Commerce no longer has committees working for development or other purposes. A few years ago they had such committees for industrial development and highways, etc. I know because I was on the roads and highway committee. It is my recollection that that committee was very instrumental in getting the Mineral Wells Interchange improvements. It is obvious the development that has occurred there which are possibly because of the improvements.
I think it is great that we have the Development Office but I think we also need the support, help, assistance and prestige of a Chamber committee. There are many capable and knowledgeable people in the Chamber.
The foregoing are some of the things that I believe we can do to help the development of our county.
Robert A. Friend
Vienna, W.Va.