ROAD CONDITIONS DISCUSSED — The Brooke County Commission heard concerns Tuesday about local road conditions, particularly U.S. Route 22 in Weirton. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — Brooke County Commissioners heard concerns Tuesday about the condition of local roads, a problem they said could be addressed through a change in the state’s funding formula for road maintenance.

Local resident Joan Simonetti said she is among those who have complained about the unevenness of U.S. Route 22 between Follansbee and Weirton, with drivers often staying in the left lane to avoid the jolts they experience when traveling over rough patches in the right lane.

She said she’s noticed how much the road improves as she enters Pennsylvania from West Virginia and suggested poor road conditions affect the ability to attract new businesses to this area.

Commission President A.J. Thomas told her, “We share those same concerns.”

Thomas said the county commission has reached out to local representatives to the state legislature and state Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, has arranged for them to meet later this month with state highway officials to discuss the problem.

Thomas said, “The current funding formula, in my opinion, is not appropriate.”

He explained later that state funds for road maintenance and repair are disbursed according to the number of miles in each county and not the number of miles a county’s roads are traveled.

Thomas said in addition to vehicles traveling to local industries, Brooke County’s roads are used by many heavy trucks engaged by the oil and gas industry.

The commission has received complaints about Route 27, which connects Western Pennsylvania to state Route 2 in Wellsburg.

County Commissioner Tom Diserio said the cost to repave state Route 27 alone exceeds the amount allocated to the West Virginia Division of Highways’ District 6 Office, which maintains state roads throughout the Northern Panhandle.

Thomas said Route 27, also known as Washington Pike, is not slated to be repaved for five years, a situation commissioners said must change in light of its many potholes.

Thomas said there have been many accidents on the road, including one involving a motorcyclist this spring.

Brooke County Sheriff Rich Beatty said, “It’s a dangerous stretch of road. Poor road conditions don’t help.”

He applauded local emergency crews who responded to a crash at the intersection of Routes 27 and 2 Monday night.

Greg Moore, Brooke County director of emergency management, said a box truck carrying tanks containing 550 gallons of commercial grade glue overturned there, spilling much of its contents onto the roadway.

Moore said a bio-based oil absorbent and absorbent pads were applied to prevent the glue from entering nearby storm drains.

The cause of the accident wasn’t clear.

Thomas encouraged residents to voice complaints about the condition of the road and others through the West Virginia Division of Highways’ website at https://webapps.transportation.wv.gov/swat/

The commission also heard from Mark Miller, Weirton planning and development director, who asked and received the commission’s voice of support for an application for a Transportation Alternatives and Recreational Trails Grant from the West Virginia Department of Transportation.

Miller said depending on the amount awarded, city officials hope to pave another three-fourths of a mile of the Panhandle Trail, create a second trail head in the city in Hancock County and a pedestrian bridge across Harmon Creek.

The commission wasn’t asked to contribute funds toward the project.

Thomas noted the Weirton trail provides access for local residents and visitors to a series of trails extending through Pennsylvania and on to Washington, D.C.

“What you’re proposing is exciting and definitely a step in the right direction,” he told Miller.

Also on Tuesday, the commissioners:

• Agreed to allocate $39,675 for the fiscal year to the Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle.

It is the designated economic development agency for the county as well as Hancock County, which also contributes to its operations.

• Accepted the resignation of David Holden, who’s leaving the property compliance officer position for another opportunity.

They lamented Holden’s departure, saying since his hiring in October, he pushed hard for the removal of junk cars, large trash and debris from properties in unincorporated areas of the county.

The commission agreed to advertise for another individual to fill the part-time position.

• Agreed to accept letters of interest in a seat on the county’s library board and a seat representing the county on the Northern Panhandle Resource, Conservation and Development Council.

They may be sent to County Clerk Kimberly Barbetta for the next two weeks.

The commission meets at 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday at the county courthouse.