An economic impact study focusing on the construction of the Coalfields Expressway indicates what supporters have always known, "Good roads bring economic prosperity."

"This gives us credibility," emphasized Richard Browning, who serves as executive director of the Coalfields Expressway Authority.

The study, "Economic Implications Related To The Completion Of The Coalfields Expressway," was completed through the Center for Business and Economic Research at Marshall University and co-authored by Dr. Calvin A. Kent and Kent N. Sowards.

Dr. Calvin Kent is a well-known economist throughout the United States, Browning explained.

"Needless to say, we are very satisfied with the findings and results of the study," he emphasized.

Browning noted the study has been in the works for a couple of years and was completed at the urging of U. S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W. Va., in the wake of the omission of the Coalfields Expressway from the state’s six-year highway improvement plan.

"As far as I can tell, none of the economic development agencies in the counties served by the Expressway were contacted concerning the economic potential of the Expressway prior to the release of the six-year plan," said Mike Goode, chairman of the Coalfields Expressway Authority. "This study should provide the decision-makers within the governor’s office and the West Virginia Division of Highways solid economic data on which to base new decisions or re-assessments of old decisions for road building in West Virginia."

Whether or not the study will increase funding for the project cannot be predicted, Browning said.

The study does show that both Wyoming and McDowell counties are far behind the state, and the nation, in terms of good roads. Neither county has a four-lane road.

"The study showed that the Coalfields Expressway counties — Raleigh, Wyoming and McDowell — with the exception of Raleigh in some cases, ranked far behind the nation and other West Virginia counties in all measures of economic conditions," Browning said.

"Raleigh County is unique in the study because, even though it lags behind West Virginia and the nation in some categories, it is served by interstates and other four-lane roads. The fact that it is ahead of the other two counties which will be served by the highway and because it has a better transportation system now shows what the other counties could be with better transportation such as the Coalfields Expressway."
"This shows with absolutely no doubt that a strong correlation exists between good roads and aggressive economic development in an area," Goode noted.

"Research links a region’s level of economic development with its isolation," Goode explained. "If an area has a good, modern transportation system, then economic diversity exists, which translates into a better quality of life for people living there. This study points that out."

The report is available at the Coalfields Expressway Authority office in Pineville or online at http//:www.CoalfieldsExpressway.com.

Construction of the Coalfields Expressway has begun in both Raleigh and McDowell counties. The new four-lane will intersect with the King Coal Highway at the site of the new prison in McDowell County, just across the Wyoming County line.

The total estimated cost to construct the Coalfields Expressway is $920 million, excluding the cost of acquiring the land needed for right-of-way. The road is designated as part of the National Highway System and as a High Priority Corridor in the National Highway System Act of 1995.

Exits are planned for Mullens, Twin Falls State Park, Pineville and near the new Wyoming County industrial park on Welch-Pineville Road.

Designated as U. S. 121, the road is now a proposed 112-mile four-lane road, with partially controlled access, that is currently set to run from I-64/77 in Beckley to U.S. 23 in Pound, Va., by way of Sophia, Mullens, Pineville, Welch, and Bradshaw in West Virginia.

U.S. 23 is a major four-lane artery running through Pikeville, Ky., through Pound, Va., and tying into I-81 in the Johnson City/Kingsport, Tenn., area.