King Coal Highway will boost economy

BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — The construction of Interstate 73 could inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the I-73 Corridor and provide jobs for workers in construction, retail, service and warehouse industries in southern West Virginia.

Mingo and Wayne counties have a big role in this new highway. The King Coal Highway is in the plans for both counties—along the Martin County border where the new KY-645 is projected to reach its destination.

The project is expected to generate millions in annual economic impact and strengthen the region’s economy and job market.

Leasha Johnson, executive director of the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority, talked about I-73 and gave some important information on the expressway.

“The Authority was created by Senate Bill 354 for the purpose of cultivating economic development opportunities and leveraging the collective expertise of the southern West Virginia regions that will be affected by the construction of more sections of what was formerly called the King Coal Highway,” Johnson said. “The Central Appalachian Highway will eventually be part of the federal interstate system, incorporated into the I-73/74 corridor that’s projected to connect southern Michigan to South Carolina. The eventual completion of this highway in five southern West Virginia counties will provide new and safer access from the coalfields to broader markets not currently accessible.”

The volunteer authority consists of five economic development directors from Wayne, Mingo, McDowell, Wyoming and Mercer counties, and 10 governor appointees from planning and development councils, industry and utility sectors.

Since the legislation passed and former Governor Justice completed all 10 appointees, CAHEDA has conducted three meetings to date.

“We’ve enlisted the assistance of the Nelson Mullins law firm of Huntington to assist with our 501c3 filing, as well as preparation of bylaws and conflicts of interest statements,” said Johnson. “Following the organizational meeting in Huntington, we met in Wayne County in February, and we met at the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority in March. Participating in every meeting are representatives of EL Robinson Engineering (the contract engineer for the West Virginia Division of Highways), Michael Baker & Associates (a sub-contract engineering firm for EL Robinson doing environmental and site assessments prior to bidding new sections for construction), Congressional representatives, utility representatives from Mountaineer Gas and American Electric Power, and transportation representatives from the Appalachian Regional Commission.”

The King Coal Highway will span 95 miles across Mercer, McDowell, Wyoming, Mingo and Wayne counties.

The current status of different sections of the project includes the following:

• 2.5-mile section in Mercer County – Airport Road to Littlesburg (WV Route 20). This project was bid in summer 2024, with construction expected to begin this summer (2025).
• 4.3-mile section in Mercer County – Littlesburg to Montcalm. EL Robinson is working on final plans and expects this project to go to bid in 2025.
• 3.5-mile section in Mercer County – Montcalm to Giatto Road, approaching the Mercer, McDowell and Wyoming County lines. This project is in the preliminary design stage.
• Tolsia Highway – a 9-mile section north of Prichard, is in the preliminary design phase.

The Authority expects to work closely with Congressional representatives as well as the DOH and E.L. Robinson Engineering to identify potential public/private partnerships. Johnson says such partnerships could facilitate the earlier construction of more sections of the highway.

Christy Laxton, director of the Wyoming County Development Authority, emphasized why accelerating construction matters.

“Roads play a crucial role in the economy by providing access to healthcare—and connecting producers to markets, workers to employment, and students to schools,” Laxton said. “Roads are the main arteries for economic progression. Road infrastructure increases economic activity by stimulating growth. It enhances connectivity, lowers transportation costs, boosts access to markets and stimulates job growth. All of these contribute to economic progress.”

The I-73 Corridor region includes Mercer, McDowell, Wyoming, Mingo and Wayne counties in West Virginia.