From: Sierra Club - West Virginia Chapter jimscon@gmail.com Date: December 14, 2015 at 2:42:02 PM EST To: Sierra Club - West Virginia Chapter alert@sierraclub.org Subject: Action Alert: Core Arboretum threatened by plans for bridge Reply-To: Sierra Club - West Virginia Chapter jimscon@gmail.com

Anyone who values the green space, incredible wildflower displays and mature forest, hiking trails and wildlife watching opportunities at this loveliest of ecological refuges on the edge of a busy city should definitely send a letter of protest. See below: Zach Fowler, Director of the Arboretum, sent the following information.

Overview:

The WVU Core Arboretum is potentially threatened by plans to build a bridge over the Monongahela River. The Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization (MMMPO) is asking for feedback, we need to give them feedback. This is happening very fast, and acting urgently is necessary. The deadline for comments is December 24.

The MMMPO held a meeting for the I-79 Access Study on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015. This was the first of three public meetings that will be held for the project. There was no formal presentation at the meeting, but there was a handout (attached) containing the relevant information. Officials from MMMPO were also on hand to answer questions. There is now a website for the project (i79accessstudywv.com), and all of the documents referred to here are available on this site.

The first meeting was to present the Existing and Future Conditions (E&FC) Report. The takeaway message of the E&FC Report was that the MMMPO did find the need to improve traffic conditions between Morgantown's urban core and WVU and I-79, and that they are considering building a bridge across the Monongahela River as part of the solution to the traffic problem. The next step in the project is reviewing public comments, identifying alternatives, and evaluating the operations and impacts of the alternatives. There is reason to believe (outlined below) that the MMMPO is considering building a bridge connecting the new I-79 interchange to the Monongahela Blvd. and Patteson Dr. intersection, directly through/over the WVU Core Arboretum as one of the options.

This is a critical time to respond to the MMMPO with concerns about the impact of the project on the Arboretum. They are entering into the "alternatives development process." Once they have received the public comments, they will begin evaluating "preliminary alternatives" and developing a list of alternatives to present at the next public meeting. Keep in mind that one of these preliminary alternatives is likely a bridge over the Arboretum. The official presentation of a bridge over the Arboretum as an option could come in March. They have officially, albeit quietly, solicited input from citizens and stakeholders. They have officially, albeit quietly, asked us to come forward with our concerns.

It is deeply concerning that the MMMPO would even consider a project that would impact the Arboretum as an option. It is also deeply concerning how quickly and quietly this is happening. The MMMPO plans to announce a recommended project in June!

It is likely that it will be said that a bridge over the Arboretum will not ruin the Arboretum. In reality, it is not possible to build the "Direct Roadway Connection from New I-79 Interchange to Monongahela Boulevard" without having an irreversible negative impact on the Arboretum. A bridge over the Arboretum would certainly ruin the Arboretum as we know and love it. Necessary Action:

It is important that all who are concerned about the future of the WVU Core Arboretum write a letter to Bill Austin, Executive Director of MMMPO (address below), before December 24 and express the opinion that "Direct Roadway Connection from New I-79 Interchange to Monongahela Boulevard" (Project 6, Option B in the LRTP) is not an option that should even be considered as a preliminary alternative, much less a preferred alternative, due to its necessary and unavoidable impact on the WVU Core Arboretum. Even a bridge OVER the Arboretum will cause irreversible and unacceptable damage to the Arboretum. It is also important to stress the importance of the Arboretum to the community and the University, and to emphasize the value that it holds.

Mr. Bill Austin, AICP Executive Director Morgantown Monongalia MPO 82 Hart Field Road Suite 105 Morgantown, WV 26505

Comments are due by December 24, 2015

The next public meeting for the I-79 Access Study will be in April, and the MMMPO will present a slate of "alternatives" at this time. Let's hope that the direct roadway connection option is already off the table at that point, but let's also be prepared for it to be presented as an alternative, possibly even the preferred alternative.

The official comment period for evaluation of alternatives is now.

Letters of concern would be good at any time, but now is a very critical time. It would also be helpful to send letters to the editor of local papers.