Protect the Blackwater River – take the highway north

West Virginia’s Blackwater River headwaters in the Canaan Valley are a beloved recreational and scenic treasure; a popular destination for wildlife and nature lovers, boaters, bikers, hikers, skiers, hunters, and fishers. But the Blackwater is at risk from plans for a major four-lane highway. The current state-proposed route, “Corridor H,” would divide local communities and cross sensitive headwater streams, destroying delicate habitat, and polluting wetlands. Local community members and businesses are insisting that policymakers, including the Federal Highway Administration, mandate an alternative northern route -- one that would safeguard river health and enhance the heritage, character, and economies of local communities.

Please join us in protecting the Blackwater River and urge the Federal Highway Administration to mandate an alternate Northern route!

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Federal Highway Admin

Office of LA/Policy Comms

Office of Legislative Affairs and Policy Communications

Dear Federal Highway Administration,

I am writing you today to urge the Federal Highway Administration to stop the plan to pave over the economically and biologically important stretches of the Blackwater River Headwaters(WV) and ensure and support an unbiased and strong alternative northern route.

The Blackwater River is a beloved and scenic treasure for both residents of West Virginia and the many residents of Virginia and Maryland who visit the scenic area regularly throughout the year. The surrounding Monongahela National Forest and the state park offer a multitude of trails for all seasons. On the banks of the Blackwater, in the quaint towns of Davis and Thomas, locals and visitors enjoy nature and solitude. The Blackwater River region is a popular outdoor recreational resource and destination for a growing sustainable tourism economy.

Unfortunately, the currently proposed path of the major four-lane Highway Corridor H would cross many of the river’s headwater streams with major construction activity. Even after the construction, the traffic pollution from the highway would permanently destroy this fragile ecosystem. Blackwater Falls State Park views would be marred by the route, and by the intrusion of truck noise and lights. The same impacts will also degrade the outdoor experience on the nearby section of the Monongahela National Forest.

What’s more, the currently preferred route would pass across large former strip mines underlain with a honeycomb of old mine tunnels that are filled with acid mine drainage pollution. Construction in this area would be a recipe for disaster for water quality and stability of structures as mine tunnels collapse and spill polluted water into the river.

The Federal Highway Administration has requested a northern alternative route be proposed but local and state interests are intent on pushing the original, more detrimental route. We are concerned that any alternative northern proposal prepared by the state would intentionally be made weaker so as to not be competitive with the current proposal. Previous studies have found that a northern route is feasible.

We strongly urge the Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to ensure that a fair and unbiased northern alternative is created. We believe if done accurately and  empirically, a northern alternative would be a less environmentally destructive route.

Sincerely,

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