Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 19, 1994                   TAG: 9403190057
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-1   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHARLESTON, W.VA.                                LENGTH: Medium

I-73 PROPOSAL COMPATIBLE WITH W.VA.'S NEEDS

The Commonwealth Transportation Board in Virginia recommended Thursday that I-73 run east from West Virginia along U.S. 460 and south along U.S. 220 to the North Carolina line.

The route is longer and more expensive than following Interstate 77, but supporters say it would bring more economic benefits.

VanKirk has said Bluefield must be on the highway corridor. The route Virginia endorsed Thursday may not pass through Bluefield, but VanKirk said he is not worried.

"We have coordinated with Virginia. Their proposal is compatible with our concept," VanKirk said.

The proposed road would follow U.S. 52 across West Virginia, from Kenova on the Ohio River to either U.S. 460 or I-77 in the Bluefield area, VanKirk said.

The Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce endorsed running the new interstate along I-77 through Bluefield.

Chamber Executive Director Nelson Walker called Virginia's decision "disappointing but political."

VanKirk said he had not spoken to Bluefield officials about the latest proposal.

"We want it to pass anywhere in the Bluefield area. Whether it's on 77 or 460, I don't see to be a major problem," VanKirk said.

I-73 is a proposed north-south corridor stretching from Detroit to Charleston, S.C.

Congress will make the ultimate decision. But Rep. Nick Joe Rahall, D.-W.Va. and chairman of a U.S. House surface transportation subcommittee, has said Congress will not dictate routes within states, unless border crossing disputes cannot be resolved.