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Weirton discussing road grant application

WEIRTON — The City of Weirton may be applying for funding with the goal of improving access to former steel-making property being eyed for future business growth.

The city’s Finance Committee, during its meeting Wednesday, discussed a proposal which would authorize the submission of an application to the West Virginia Department of Transportation for its Industrial Access Road Program grant. The city would be seeking $721,067 with plans to build a roadway to improve access to property now owned by the Frontier Group of Companies in Weirton’s north end.

“This is the first phase of the construction,” Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam said.

Kaleb Knowlton, program manager for the city’s Planning and Development Department, explained each county in West Virginia is eligible to receive up to $400,000 in Industrial Access Road grants, and Weirton would be applying for funds allocated for both Hancock and Brooke counties.

Members of the committee said there was some confusion over where the grant funds would be used, with Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso asking if the initial phase was to begin at Lee Avenue and stretch through the southern portion of the land.

Public Works Director Rod Rosnick explained the proposed road would run parallel to North Main Street.

Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel expressed some concern as to whether Weirton would receive the grant, noting other cities in Hancock and Brooke counties also could apply for these funds.

Knowlton, however, said the city has been in communication with the other communities, and is in the midst of requesting support for its application.

“We’re working on getting letters of support,” Knowlton said.

Weigel also expressed concern over additional work and funding which may be needed to access the new roadway.

“I’m just not comfortable with the lack of details,” he said.

Ward 4 Councilman George Ash, who was in the audience of Wednesday’s meeting, said the details of the project could be obtained prior to making a final decision at Monday’s Weirton Council meeting.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)

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