The city of Wheeling was not awarded a $15.3 million BUILD Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation despite the support from all three of the federal lawmakers representing the Northern Panhandle.
The grant, dubbed the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development Program, would have been utilized as a part of the funding for the streetscape project in downtown Wheeling. The projected cost of the work was $28 million, but City Manager Bob Herron said he and his staff are now developing a new scope for the renovations to Main and Market streets, as well as portions of Eoff and Chapline streets.
“At this time, I can’t offer an estimated cost of the project because we are now working on a new plan,” Herron said. “I am hoping that plan can be completed in the next three or four weeks so we can get the project started in the spring.
“Now that we know the grant went elsewhere, we are working with the local Division of Highways officials so we are all on the same page,” he continued. “The Governor’s Office also has agreed to continue to cooperate with available state funding because they want to see this project through.”
Herron confirmed the city has collected approximately $5.5 million, and the state has pledged $6.7 million. The Oglebay Foundation, the fundraising arm for Oglebay Park, also pledged a $400,000 donation for the project.
“Our downtown streets will be improved in the near future, but we don’t know if the first project will include everything on the initial wish list,” Herron said. “There could be additional projects so we can get closer and closer to the vision that we and the residents of Wheeling have.”
The streetscape project was first proposed and pushed by former mayor Andy McKenzie. In the beginning, the city entered into a partnership with the state Department of Transportation for work that was expected to total about $10 million, but the discovery of many vaults under the sidewalks in downtown Wheeling presented additional costs.
This is the second time in two years the city of Wheeling has not received a BUILD Grant. Last year, a request for $10 million was rejected by the federal government despite assurances from Gov. Jim Justice.
“I can tell you that the businesses in downtown Wheeling are hoping for road improvements because of the current condition of the roads,” said Del. Erikka Storch (R-3rd), who also serves as the president of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce. “I think everyone has been as patient as they could be, but there’s been a lot of talk about these improvements beginning next year.
“It’s a pretty bumpy ride in downtown right now,” she said. “So, hopefully, we will see better pavement so the morale of the residents improves.”
