U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) today called for an economic impact statement to be initiated on the Coalfields Expressway and Beckley Z-way proposals. Rahall proposed the idea in discussions with principals of the Rahall Transportation Institute (RTI) at Marshall University and after consultation with local leadership in Beckley. Rahall met with leaders last week in Washington.

"We need to stake our claim in Charleston for these two essential infrastructure projects," Rahall said, "so State officials can determine how they will devote resources throughout the State. We need to provide current economic forecasts in terms of job creation and economic growth that will come from these projects. This is a building block for the State to be a full partner with us, which means more than a 10 or 20 percent match; it means commitment beyond a minimum state match. It means that the State, when we have demonstrated the worthiness of our projects, commit additional Federal and State resources at their disposal. We will work with the State on the development of the impact statement in order to provide the information most useful in their decision making process."

"Because of the Congressional delegation's work, there are projects that merit such consideration. We accept the challenge," Rahall exclaimed.

"The Rahall Institute has the unique ability to develop this economic tool and I am pleased they have agreed to take on the work," Rahall added. "The strong economic impact these projects will have on the Beckley area and southern West Virginia will be the core focus."

A great deal of economic activity is currently under way in Beckley. Significant improvements are being made at the new Airport Industrial Park. The 300-acre plot of land is being developed to house businesses wanting to locate near the airport. Increased job creation and development opportunities are expected and the completion of the Coalfields Expressway and Z-way will factor into the future success of the site.

Coupled with improvements at the airport, the Beckley Intermodal Gateway (BIG) and the forthcoming federal prison in McDowell County will be beneficiaries of the Coalfields Expressway and the Z-way. Rahall and Senator Byrd secured $16.76 million for the Coalfields Expressway and the Congressman himself obtained $20 million for the Beckley Intermodal Gateway. All total, Rahall and Byrd secured $184 million in the 2005 Highway bill for specific infrastructure projects in southern West Virginia.

"There is a great deal of growth opportunity in the very near future for Beckley," Rahall said. "Local leaders and I, including Senator Byrd, have put many of the pieces in place to provide Beckley the opportunities to thrive. We've worked hard to get the needed funding and local support to open up economic development opportunities in the area."

Rahall was able to secure significant federal investment for transportation projects throughout southern West Virginia in the 2005 Highway bill. He was instrumental in bringing $404 million annually to West Virginia in federal highway dollars, an increase of 30 percent more than the previous bill.

"Now, through this economic impact statement, we will illustrate how essential these infrastructure projects are to Beckley, southern West Virginia and all of West Virginia," Rahall added.

Funding for the economic impact statement is being worked out and likely will come from a variety of sources.