[ economy ]
SAMANTHA CART
The Road to Progress
Economic
Growth
Surrounding
Corridor H
Photo by Robbie Skinner.
Corridor H, a highway project that when completed will stretch
from Interstate 79 in Weston, WV, to Interstate 81 in Strasburg,
VA, has been conceptualized since the late 1960s. To date, ap-
proximately 44 miles of the roadway have been completed from
Weston to Kerens and approximately 49 miles from Davis to
Wardensville. The original goal of Corridor H was to increase
economic development and tourism opportunities for the many
small towns that fall along its route. While it is not scheduled to
be completed until the late 2030s, this designated Appalachian
Development Highway has sparked optimism and anticipation
in Lewis, Randolph and Upshur counties and paved the way for
future growth.
Lewis County
Located at the intersection of Interstate 79 and Corridor H,
Lewis County provides easy access to business and leisure. A
progressive community that strives to maintain an attractive
and affordable climate for businesses and residents, Lewis
County is home to Stonewall Resort; several golf courses; a
variety of historic attractions, including the Trans-Allegheny
Lunatic Asylum, The Museum of American Glass and the
Mountaineer Military Museum; and West Virginia University’s
Jackson’s Mill.
“If you love history, the outdoors and great food, Lewis
County is the place for you,” says Chrissy Richards, executive
director of the Lewis County Convention & Visitors Bureau
(CVB). “In the near future, we expect tourism increases and
a whole new market of travelers with the decreased drive time
28
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.
Photo by Bethany Cutright.
from Washington, D.C., to Lewis County with the completion
of Corridor H.”
While tourism, hospitality, health care and education are
among the county’s top industries, oil and natural gas have
always had a strong presence.
“For decades, oil and natural gas have provided heat, jobs and
revenue to the county,” says Lewis County Administrator and
Economic Development Director Cindy Whetsell. “This is still
true. The construction of Corridor H has brought many possi-
bilities to our county, and we are aggressively working to expand
infrastructure to accommodate all sizes of business creation.”