BLUEFIELD, W.Va. -Bluefield’s Jim Spencer is leading a newly formed group that taking a fresh approach to promoting the completion of the King Coal Highway and the development of energy production and technologies along the route.
Spencer, executive director of the Bluefield Economic Development Authority, was named chair of the new Central Appalachian Highway Economic Development Authority earlier this week in Huntington and members will focus on the King Coal Highway (I-73-74) corridor, which runs from Bluefield to Kenova, near Huntington, crossing the coal country counties of McDowell, Wyoming, Mingo and Wayne.
The authority was created by legislative action earlier this year that asked the group to, among other tasks, outline specific tactical goals, involve communities along the route and build strong support for the completion of the highway.
A portion of King Coal has been completed from Rt. 460 in Mercer County to Airport Road and another segment is scheduled to see construction start next year taking it from Airport Road to Littlesburg Road.
The West Virginia Corridor will eventually be part of a highway that runs from Detroit, Mich. To Myrtle Beach, S.C. and will open these counties up for economic development, with a concentration on energy and technology.
Other members of the authority include state Sen. Chandler Swope, Welch Mayor Harold McBride, Jason Roberts with Region1 Planning and Development Council and Marvin Woodie, president of Conn-Weld Industries in Princeton.
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