U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) today applauded the efforts of local transportation experts to come together to solve the work of the traffic congestion in the Beaver and Shady Spring area. Rahall also praised the Nick J. Rahall, II Appalachian Transportation Institute (RTI) for defining the scope of the proposed project through their geographic information system. "I am pleased that everyone is working on the same page with this project to help create a solution to the traffic problem around Beaver and Shady Spring," said Rahall.

Congressman Rahall is working with leaders across the state to improve traffic congestion and promote economic development along U.S. 19 and W.V. 3 near Airport Road in the Beaver and Shady Spring area. Last month, Rahall met with members of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce as well as local delegates to discuss a possible project that would help alleviate the situation. After the meeting, Congressman Rahall asked the West Virginia Department of Transportation to look into a proposal to fix the problem and urged RTI to assist in a review of the project.

Through these actions, Congressman Rahall is helping to coordinate a meeting between RTI and the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Richard Begley, Associate Director of RTI. Dr. Begley has defined the scope of the proposed project through RTI's geographic information system and produced high quality maps for the discussion with members of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday afternoon in Beckley. The proposal to fix the traffic congestion was prepared by the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce. It has the full support of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, the Beckley-Raleigh County Airport Authority and many local businesses and residents.

"This meeting will be a great opportunity for Dr. Begley to address the Chamber with his ideas on how to help fix the traffic congestion situation," said Rahall. "This meeting will also help Dr. Begley present the views of the Chamber to the West Virginia Department of Transportation. We need to continue this momentum and put a plan in place to help the traffic problem."

Congressman Rahall also helped coordinate meetings between RTI and the West Virginia Department of Transportation. Dr. Begley will meet with Paul Mattox, Commissioner of Highways for the West Virginia Department of Transportation, on Thursday of next week. Dr. Begley will share the local views he has received and also provide the detailed mapping RTI has developed with Commissioner Mattox that.

"Our transportation experts and local decision makers are doing everything possible to help fix this traffic situation and I am confident we can do it in a way that will create new jobs by opening up access to the Raleigh County Memorial Airport and Industrial Park, which are poised for significant growth in the future," said Rahall.

"I am looking forward to two great meetings next week to discuss the connector project in the Beaver Shady Spring area," said Dr. Begley. "I am excited to meet with the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce and with Commissioner Mattox next week to discuss this crucial project. We are all working hard to see that the traffic congestion is eased, and I am glad Congressman Rahall brought the subject to our attention."