OFFERING SUPPORT – Members of the Brooke County Commission, Thomas Diserio, left, and A.J. Thomas, voted in support Tuesday of a resolution backing the creation of an I-68 Energy-Manufacturing Corridor. -- Craig Howell

WELLSBURG — Brooke County commissioners became the first in the state to sign on to a campaign which could lead to the development of a new energy and manufacturing corridor in West Virginia and Ohio.

During their meeting Tuesday morning, commissioners heard from Bob Miller Jr., executive director of the West Virginia Route 2/I68 Authority, seeking a resolution in support of the proposal which would establish a highway corridor — following a portion of Interstate 68 — stretching from Morgantown to Caldwell, Ohio, with the potential to eventually move farther west toward Dayton.

“It’s been a long road,” said Miller, who explained similar projects have been discussed at various points over the last few decades.

The hope is creation of the corridor — with investment in new infrastructure — would encourage new development within the energy industries, as well as some manufacturing, such as plastics.

“It does seem this is a good time,” said Commission President A.J. Thomas.

Miller reported the idea had garnered an interest on the federal level during Donald Trump’s previous presidential administration, and the hope is the same will be true with Trump back in the White House.

“We had support, and time ran out,” Miller said, explaining the idea was shelved under the Biden administration.

One meeting, by teleconference, already has been held with federal officials, Miller indicated.

He said, though, the authority needs backing on the state government level, as well, before being able to move forward.

“We need to have Govs. Mike DeWine and Patrick Morrisey on board,” he said, asking the commissioners if they would be willing to assist in reaching out to Columbus and Charleston.

Thomas suggesting looping in officials with the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission, as well.

“I know they have communications with the governors’ offices and deal with road projects,” Thomas said.

In other business, Tuesday, commissioners:

• Approved Draw 9, in the amount of $24,439.47, on the Drover’s Inn sanitary sewage extension project;

• Agreed to not renew the county’s facility services rental service agreement with Cintas, which covered the cleaning and maintenance of rugs at the county’s courthouse and court annex, as well as EMS headquarters;

• Approved the resignation of Michelle Heaton from the county Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, effective Aug. 8;

• Agreed to appoint Tia Graham to the Northern Panhandle RC&D Council and Teresa Taylor to the Brooke County Public Library Board.