More Charleston Questions

[tbailey1138]

Tri-State Airport in Huntington or a site in Lincoln County were the most recent proposed sites for the regional airport. Tri-State has more room for expansion whereas Yeager doesn't so it only makes sense to expand Tri-State or build an airport at an area in between the two cities. Even though studies were done proving that Yeager would benefit from the increased air traffic and competition for prices, they fought the development of the regional airport tooth and nail. Since Tri-State has seen a recent increase in passengers, air traffic and direct flights with plans for expanding the runway by at least 500 feet in 2008, Yeager is now saying that the growth at Tri-State is helping them as well. Ironic huh? This is the typical type of fighting that holds our state back from so many standpoints whether it be airports, expanding our offerings at our universities, expanding opportunities in our larger cities etc. Until each city/county is allowed to have a greater say in the funding and subsequent growth, there will allows be some type of political infighting that prevents the full potential for growth from being realized in this great state. Competition often breeds progress and growth. The way competition is often fought rather encouraged in this state I think is related to its lack of progress. If you always think you are only big enough for one large (insert anything here) you will only be large enough for one of anything. Here's a good article on the subject from 2001.
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[mtneeratheart]

I absolutely agree with you, the type of ridiculous "my part of the state is better than yours" mentality that so many government leaders have in West Virginia has done nothing but hold the state back from any real economic development. Combine that mentality with the need for leaders to constantly dwell on the 1950s when coal and chemicals were king, what do you have, a state that is losing its young residents to other states because they simply cannot find decent jobs at home. West Virginia is such a beautiful state and could really have potential, it is just depressing to see it squandered by greedy politicians.